Percussion instrument Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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percussion instrument
[pษหkสสษn หษชnstrษmษnt ]
Definition
musical instrument
A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that is played by being struck or shaken. They can produce a wide variety of sounds, from sharp and loud to soft and subtle. Percussion instruments are commonly used in orchestras, bands, and various forms of music.
Synonyms
cymbal, drum, maracas, snare drum, tambourine, xylophone.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| percussion instrument |
A general term for any musical instrument that produces sound through being struck, shaken, or scraped.
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| drum |
A percussion instrument that is typically a hollow cylinder with a membrane stretched across one or both ends, which is played by striking with hands, sticks, or mallets.
|
| cymbal |
A musical instrument made of a thin, normally round plate of metal, often used in orchestras and bands.
|
| tambourine |
A percussion instrument consisting of a small drum with metal jingles attached around the frame, often played by shaking or striking with the hand.
|
| xylophone |
A percussion instrument made up of wooden bars of different lengths that are struck with mallets to produce musical notes.
|
| maracas |
A musical instrument made from dried gourds or plastic, with beads inside, that are shaken to produce sound, commonly used in Latin American music.
|
| snare drum |
A type of drum that has snares (tight wires or springs) stretched across the bottom head, creating a sharp rattling sound when struck.
|
Examples of usage
- Drums are a common type of percussion instrument.
- The tambourine is a popular percussion instrument in folk music.
- Percussion instruments add rhythm and texture to music.
- She played the xylophone, a melodic percussion instrument.
- The maracas are a pair of percussion instruments.
- The snare drum is a key percussion instrument in marching bands.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Ancient cultures used basic percussion instruments like bones and stones to communicate and during rituals.
- Percussion instruments evolved into more complex forms, with drums being one of the oldest musical instruments known to humanity.
- The word 'percussion' comes from the Latin word 'percutere', meaning 'to strike'.
Cultural Significance
- Many indigenous cultures have unique percussion instruments, often made from local materials, representing their traditions and community stories.
- In African music, percussion plays a central role; instruments like djembe and talking drums communicate messages and signify social events.
- Latin American music often features vibrant percussion, such as congas and bongos, that brings energy to celebrations and dances.
Science of Sound
- Percussion instruments create sound through vibrations, which travel through the air to reach our ears.
- The pitch of a percussion instrument can change based on size, material, and how it's struck; for example, a large bass drum has a low pitch while a small tambourine sounds higher.
- The resonance of a percussion instrument depends on its shape and material, influencing how long and how loudly it can sound.
Famous Percussion Instruments
- The snare drum is known for its sharp sound and is a key component in marching bands and orchestras.
- Marimbas and xylophones use wooden bars arranged like a piano, producing melodic sounds that are both sweet and bright.
- Timpani, or kettle drums, are large orchestral instruments that can be tuned to specific pitches, adding depth to symphonic music.
Educational Insights
- Learning percussion instruments can improve coordination, rhythm, and timing, making them great for brain development in children.
- Music education often emphasizes percussion as an entry point, as anyone can easily play by simply striking or shaking an instrument.
- Group percussion activities foster teamwork and communication skills, as players must listen to each other to create harmonious rhythms.
Origin of 'percussion instrument'
The history of percussion instruments dates back thousands of years, with evidence of drums and other percussive instruments found in ancient civilizations around the world. Percussion instruments have been used in rituals, ceremonies, and entertainment throughout history, evolving and diversifying over time. From the simple hand drums of early civilizations to the complex orchestral percussion setups of today, percussion instruments have played a crucial role in human culture and music.