AoS3 Greek Folk Music

Question 1

Bouzouki

Answer 1

A long necked stringed instrument that often plays the melody in Greek music. It has pairs of strings that are tuned to the same note or an octave apart.

Question 2

Oud

Answer 2

A pear shaped, short necked 11 stringed instrument that resembles a lute. Used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music, it is often used as accompaniment but can also play the melody.

Question 3

Toubeliki

Answer 3

Greek drum played with fingertips and palms.

Question 4

Riq

Answer 4

A tambourine like instrument used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Question 5

Lyra

Answer 5

A 3 stringed instrument used in Greek Music played with a bow. Similar sound to a violin.

Question 6

Irregular Metre and Accents

Answer 6

When the number of beats in each bar is an odd number. The beats can be grouped with different accents. Examples are 5/8 and 7/8.

This is an example of Greek folk music in 7/8 time.

There are 7 quavers in a bar. Listen to the strong accents

Question 7

Heterophonic Texture

Answer 7

Two or more instruments or voices at the same time with different variations on the same melody.

Question 8

Melody and accompaniment / Homophonic Texture

Answer 8

This type of texture is where the main tune of the song is played/sung whilst other instrument(s) play the chords. Very common in Greek and Israeli music.

Question 9

Mode / Modal

Answer 9

A type of scale often used in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Question 10

Microtone

Answer 10

Very small variations in pitch. These are used frequently in Greek, Palestinian and Israeli music.

Listen to the slight changes in pitch in the vocals. This is an example of microtonal music.

Question 11

Melisma/Melismatic

Answer 11

When one syllable is sung over many notes. Typical feature of Arabic singing.

Question 12

Yannis Parios

Answer 12

A famous Greek composer and singer.

Question 13

1 / This musical extract is taken from a performance of Greek Folk Music. From your knowledge of this style of music, identify five features which are typical of this style.

Answer 13

Typical musical features include:

i/ Irregular meter and accents

ii/ Fast instrumental melody with a heterophonic texture. (Accordion, Bouzouki playing versions of the same melody.

ii/ Toubeliki goblet drum playing syncopated rhythms.

iv/ Ornamented female vocals with vibrato

v/ Microtonal vocal melody