This lesson will focus on playing adaptations of frevo and marcha for
pandeiro.
Frevo is a fast dance music from the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The
name frevo is derived from the portugese word ferver or to boil. This
rhythm originated from the European polka during the tail end of the
19th century (the polka may have arrived in Brazil in as early as 1845),
and is still popular today in Carnival in Pernambuco, as well as with
many music groups from the region. As this popular dance music found
it’s way into the carnival parade format, polka-marches were
created.
Marcha is related to frevo with added syncopation and typically at
a slightly slower tempo. Although heard in Pernambuco, it was also
used in Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in the past, and can still be heard
in dance halls and bars. Some experts even argue that the marcha is
actually an older style with it’s roots in the pastoris (a religious
christmas play that was quite popular in Europe during the 16th century,
and brought to Brazil by Jesuit priests), and that over time marchas
took on a secular nature and found their way into Carnival.
Frevo Patterns for Pandeiro:
Frevo pattern 1 and 2 are a common ways to play frevo on pandeiro.
Frevo pattern 1
Frevo pattern 2
The only difference between these two patterns is the order of strokes
(either starting Tips-Heel, or Heel-Tips). I don't feel that it's necessary
to practice both ways, but rather pick one that feels the most comfortable
and develop it. Demonstrated on the video is pattern 1 (Tips-Heel).
*notice how the left hand is incorporated in an up and down motion
giving lift to the jingles.
Frevo pattern 1
Frevo pattern 3: uses double strokes from the fingertips, and is used
by pandeiro virtuoso Guello. Notice how using the double stroke allows
the rhythm to “swing” more like a snare drummer might.
Frevo pattern 3
Frevo pattern 3
If the tempo is too fast to articulate this rhythm
using double strokes, Guello will apply a slightly modified
technique, wherein he hits into the drum with his fingertips
and pushes straight through causing a bounce, thus getting
two sounds with one stroke. Note: this is not a buzz roll but
a double stroke. A similar technique is also used by the legendary
Jorginho do Pandeiro, except that the bounce strokes are “flicked” to
the side rather than straight out. Demonstrated in 3a is in
the middleground of these two ideas (not exactly straight ahead,
and yet not too off to the side, but rather in the middle).
Frevo pattern 3a
Frevo pattern 4: is a version of the frevo rhythm in the style of pandeiro
superstar Marcos Suzano. *Notice how the left hand differs in this
particular pattern by rotating rather than lifting up and down.
Frevo pattern 4
Frevo pattern 4
Frevo pattern 5: this extended technique, is a way to employ the use
of a double stroke from the side of the hand. This motion is akin to
a “chop” followed by a “bounce” or “drag” which
resolves to the thumb.
Frevo pattern 5
Frevo pattern 5
Marcha Patterns for Pandeiro:
The first two notated examples show the basic
snare drum and bass drum parts for marcha. The pandeiro patterns
in this lesson will be composites based on these two rhyhms.
snare
bass drum (surdo)
Marcha pattern 1: a skeletal composite of the
snare drum and surdo between the thumb and fingertips.
Marcha Pattern 1
Marcha Pattern 1
Marcha 2: a second skeletal composite of the marcha rhythm. This one
fills in the latter part of the rhythm to emulate where the snare
drum would roll leading back to the downbeat.
Marcha pattern 2
Marcha pattern 2
Marcha 3: fills in more of the pattern, and offers a slightly different
feel.
Marcha pattern 3
Marcha pattern 3
Marcha 4: same as pattern #3, but now completely
filled in.
Marcha pattern 4
Marcha pattern 4
Marcha 5: emulates the shape of the snare drum
and surdo the closest. Notice the consatant motion of the left
hand.
Marcha pattern 5
Marcha pattern 5
Marcha 6: incorporates the use of the roll in
the marcha pattern.
Marcha pattern 6
Marcha pattern 6
Marcha 7: Similar to 6, but with a longer roll
that resolves to the downbeat.
