PICTURES OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Cymbals Cymbals are percussion instruments and members of the family of musical instruments known as idiophones. They are made of bronze and are played by being struck together or by striking a single cymbal with a stick or wire brush. Ancient cymbals from Assyria date from 800 bc. These cymbals are made by Zildjian in Armenia. Dorling Kindersley

Cabaca The cabaa, a Latin American percussion instrument in the idiophone family, is made of wood with steel beads strung on the outside. It is played by either twisting the cabaa in the air, striking it on the palm, or rotating the beads back and forth in the palm. The instrument is an adaptation of the Afro-Brazilian cabaa, which is a gourd covered with small seeds or beads. Dorling Kindersley

Traditional Timbila of Mozambique Among the Chopi, who have lived for centuries along the coast of Mozambique, there is a highly developed tradition of songwriting and composing for timbila (xylophone) orchestras. Elaborate migodo (dance suites), interspersed with poetic songs pertaining to village life, are often performed to these compositions. Timbila music is now recognized as the national music of Mozambique.

Traditional Gamelan of Bali The Island of Bali has a long and rich tradition of gamelan music. The gamelan is a large ensemble, consisting of up to 40 musicians playing varying sizes of gongs, xylophones, and drums. It performs for traditional occasions and ceremonies. This recording of Tabuh Pisan is performed by the Gamelan Orchestra of Batur Temple. "Tabuh Pisan" from Bali: Music for the Gong Gede (Cat.# Ocora C 559002) (p)1987 Ocora/Radio France. All rights reserved./George Holton/Photo Researchers, Inc.

Thumb Piano This sansa, a type of thumb piano from South America, is related to the mbira of Africa. It is played by plucking the metal tongues with the thumbs or forefingers. The different lengths of the tongues produce different notes. Many mbiras are elaborately carved, and some are placed inside a hollowed-out gourd to create greater resonance. Dorling Kindersley

Traditional Music of the Philippines The gong is a percussion instrument found in music throughout Southeast Asia. When played, it is suspended from the rim and struck on the center piece, called a boss, with a wooden beater that has a cork head. Changes in pitch are achieved by shaving down either the boss or the rim of the instrument. This example of instrumental music features an ensemble of four gongs and a drum being played by inhabitants of the southwestern part of Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines. Dorling Kindersley/"Gong ensemble-Basalan-Kulintang" from Music of the Magindinao in the Phillipines (Cat.# Folkways FE 4536) (p)1961 Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. All rights reserved.

Microsoft Encarta 2009. 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

MEMBRANOPHONES

Tabor The tabor was a popular medieval European drum. It was used as an accompaniment to dancing and also as an instrument in military bands. The tabor was supported by a strap worn over the shoulder. The drummer then beat the drum with a stick held in one hand and played a pipe with the other hand. The tabor is still used occasionally as a folk instrument. Dorling Kindersley

Kalengo The kalengo is a waisted drum from Nigeria. It is known as a talking drum, because its sound imitates the tonal quality of many West African languages. The kalengo is played by beating a curved stick against one of the heads. The drummer can alter the pitch of the kalengo by pressing the cords, which changes the tension of the head. Dorling Kindersley

Darabuka The darabuka is a goblet drum from the Middle East. The goblet drum, named for its shape, is often decorated elaborately. This example from Egypt features geometric inlaid designs in tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl. The bodies of these drums are made of wood or pottery; the heads are skin. The drummer plays the darabuka by striking the center and edges of the head with both hands. Dorling Kindersley

Tambourine The tambourine is a small frame drum that originated in the Middle East. The instrument is constructed of a single membrane stretched over a circular rim, which usually has metal jingle disks attached. It can be played in one of three ways: tapping the membrane with the fingers, shaking the instrument, or striking it against the body.

Rattle Drums These hand-held drums are two examples of rattle drums, which are a type of frame drum. The Indian version has a single head made from a stretched skin that is struck by the two pellets when the handle is shaken. The same process is used with the Chinese tao-ku, which has five heads and is about 3000 years old. Dorling Kindersley

Rattle Drums These hand-held drums are two examples of rattle drums, which are a type of frame drum. The Indian version has a single head made from a stretched skin that is struck by the two pellets when the handle is shaken. The same process is used with the Chinese tao-ku, which has five heads and is about 3000 years old. Dorling Kindersley

CHORDOPHONES

Nigerian Raft Zither This raft zither from Nigeria is made of bamboo pieces from which strips are cut to create strings. The bamboo pieces are tied together and placed over a hollow gourd, which acts as a resonator. There are two kinds of zithers: flat and long. The raft zither belongs to the flat group. Dorling Kindersley

Valiha The valiha is a simple tube zither from Madagascar. It is a wide piece of bamboo with pieces cut from it to form strings; in some cases, wire strings are substituted. Small pieces of wood are inserted under the strings to aid in vibration. The valiha is played by plucking the strings with the fingers. Dorling Kindersley