Question 1: Describe the typical features of a West African djembe drum performance. What rhythms are commonly played, and how are they structured?

Answer: A West African djembe performance often features complex, polyrhythmic patterns with a steady bass tone and sharp, high-pitched slaps. Rhythms are cyclic and layered, usually repeating a main pattern called a 'groove' that interlocks with other percussion instruments. Call and response singing may accompany the drumming.

Question 2: Listen carefully to a piece of traditional Indian music. What scale or mode is most likely used, and how does it influence the overall mood?

Answer: The piece probably uses a raga, which is based on specific scales with characteristic notes and ornamentations. For example, a raga might emphasize certain notes to evoke feelings of calm or devotion, creating a specific mood such as serenity or spirituality.

Question 3: Identify two key differences between the musical structure of a flamenco performance and a typical Western pop song.

Answer: Flamenco often features complex rhythm patterns called 'compás' with irregular time signatures like 12/8, and uses improvisation within its singing and guitar playing. Western pop songs usually follow a predictable verse-chorus structure with regular 4/4 time, and less improvisation.

Question 4: Explain the role of call and response in traditional African music. How does this technique contribute to the overall performance?

Answer: Call and response involves a leader or soloist singing or playing a phrase, which is then echoed or answered by a group. This technique creates a sense of community, encourages participation, and adds rhythmic complexity to the music.

Question 5: Sketch a simple musical pattern that might be played on a Balinese gamelan instrument. Describe the rhythm in your sketch.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a repeating pattern with a series of notes spaced evenly to reflect a cyclical rhythm, such as a pattern of four beats with variations in note length, representing the interlocking parts typical of gamelan music.

Question 6: Identify the typical instruments used in a traditional Andean music ensemble and describe the role of at least two of these instruments.

Answer: Instruments include the pan flute (zampona), charango, quena, and bombo. The pan flute provides melodic lines, while the charango often plays rhythmic and harmonic accompaniment, supporting the overall texture of the music.

Question 7: What are the main characteristics of a traditional Chinese guzheng performance? How does the instrument contribute to the sound?

Answer: The guzheng produces a bright, resonant sound with a wide range of pitches. It is played by plucking strings with fingers or picks, often with vibrato and glissando techniques, creating a flowing, melodic sound that is both expressive and soothing.

Question 8: Describe the significance of the rhythm and dance in Caribbean calypso music. How do they enhance the music's purpose?

Answer: Calypso music features lively, syncopated rhythms that encourage dance and social interaction. The rhythmic patterns often emphasize off-beats, which energize listeners and support the storytelling or satirical lyrics, fostering community spirit.

Question 9: Explain the concept of 'polyrhythm' and give an example of how it might be used in a world music context.

Answer: Polyrhythm involves playing two or more contrasting rhythms simultaneously. For example, in West African music, a percussionist might play a cycle of three beats while another plays a cycle of two, creating a complex, layered rhythm.

Question 10: Sketch a diagram of a traditional Balkan folk dance rhythm pattern. Indicate the strong and weak beats clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a repeating pattern of beats with strong accents on the first and third beats of a four-beat measure, with lighter beats in between, representing a common Balkan dance rhythm like 2/4 or 6/8.