We are happy to introduce our new percussions made by master Orestis Moustidis.
The origin of the Egyptian Arabic term darabukka probably lies in the Arabic word “darab” (“to strike”). Goblet drums were seen in Babylonia and Sumer dates from as early as 1100 BCE. On Celebes, one large form serves as a temple instrument, set on the floor when performed, which could be a survival of the ancient use of the drum.
The goblet drum (also chalice drum, tarabuka, tarabaki, darbuka, derbake, debuka, doumbek, dumbec, dumbeg, dumbelek, tablah, toumperleki or zerbaghali) is a single head membraphone with a goblet shaped body used mostly in the Egypt, Middle East,North Africa,South Asia and Eastern Europe. The African djembe-wassolou is also a goblet membranophone. This article focuses on the Eastern and North-African goblet drum.
The Eastern and North-African goblet drums are played under the arm or resting on the player’s leg, with a much lighter touch and quite different strokes (sometimes including rolls or quick rhythms articulated with the fingertips) to hand drums such as the djembe, found in West Africa.
There are two main types of goblet drums. The Egyptian style has rounded edges around the head, whereas the Turkish style exposes the edge of the head. The exposed edge allows closer access to the head so finger-snapping techniques can be done, but the hard edge discourages the rapid rolls possible with the Egyptian style.
The goblet drum may be played while held under one arm (usually the non-dominant arm) or by placing it sideways upon the lap (with the head towards the player’s knees) while seated. Some drums are also made with strap mounts to the drum may be slung over the shoulder, to facilitate playing while standing or dancing. It produces a resonant, low-sustain sound while played lightly with the fingertips and palm. Some players move their fists in and out of the bell to alter the tone. There are a variety of rhythms that form the basis of the filklorik and modern music and dance styles of the Middle East.
There are three main sounds produced by the goblet drum. The first is called the “doum”. It is the deeper bass sound produced by striking the head near the center with the length of the fingers and palm and taking off the hand for an open sound. The second is called the “tek” and is the higher-pitched sound produced by hitting near the edge of the head with the fingertips. A ‘tek’ struck with the secondary hand is also known as a “ka”. The third is the closed sound ‘pa’, resting rapidly the hand on the head to not permit an open sound. Additionally, there are more complex techniques including snaps, slaps, pops and rolls that are used to ornament the basic rhythm. Hand clapping and hitting the sides of the drum can be used in addition to drumhead sounds.
Another technique commonly used in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and Egyptis to tap with the fingers of one hand and with a thin stick in the other. In Turkey the stick is called the çubuk, which means wand, or stick. The Romani of most of the countries associated with the goblet drum use this technique.
Recognized musicians Mısirli Ahmet, Abdullah Hakawati, Setrak Sarkissian, Hossam Ramzy, Amir Softi and many others