clave de violín francés

The name clave (spanish for “key”) originally referred to a rhythm instrument consisting of two round wooden sticks. In Latin American music, the clave plays repetitive rhythm patterns, which are now also referred to as clave rhythms.

Since the clave serves as a tool for rhythmic organization in traditional Afro-Cuban music, the clave rhythm is usually played throughout a song with minimal variation. Clave is the Spanish word for clef or key - hinting at the importance of rhythm in these genres.

The word 'clave' means 'key' in Spanish – it's not to do with tonality as the term 'key' usually refers to, but instead, the clave holds the music together like a keystone. It is essentially a repeating rhythmic pattern that is often played on a pair of sticks that are appropriately called claves.

Often times, the clave rhythm is the basis for the rhythmic parts of a song, but is not actually played by itself. In other words, the rhythm is implied, but still drives the “feel” or groove of the song. b. Name and describe some genres of Cuban music that use clave.

One theory as to the origins of the claves is that they were re-purposed wooden pegs used for ship repairs in Cuban harbors. The clave rhythm that is so central to several Cuban dance forms is known to have been around since the 1850s, possibly played at that time on these concussion sticks.

The clave is traditionally a wooden instrument consisting of 2 sticks which are struck together to make a clicking or tapping sound. Nowadays, sometimes it is a plastic hollow rectangular “box” which may be hand-held or mounted on the drum set – the timbales, cowbell, cymbal, woodblock, etc.

In conclusion, the origins of the musical claves can be traced back to West Africa, where they were used in traditional music. The instrument was brought to the Caribbean and Latin America during the colonial era and has since become an integral part of the music of the region.

So the most important aspect and the defining characteristic of all Afro-Cuban music is the rhythm. To play in an Afro-Cuban style means to adhere to a particular rhythm. Without this rhythm, Afro-Cuban Jazz is just regular Jazz. This rhythm is the thing that holds the whole song and the whole genre together.

clave in American English 1. either of a pair of cylindrical hardwood sticks that make a hollow sound when struck together, used as a percussion instrument in Latin music. usually used in pl. 2. a syncopated rhythm pattern of alternating phrases of three and two beats, used in Latin dance music.

The musical claves are a percussion instrument that originated in Africa and was brought to the Caribbean and Latin America during the colonial era. The instrument consists of two cylindrical sticks made of wood or plastic that are struck together to produce a distinct, sharp sound.

Once you get used to hearing that, try these ones for some clave variations:

• "Otra Oportunidad" by Jimmy Bosch (starts with 3-2 Son clave)
• "Salsa, Timba Y Amor" by Isaac Delgado (starts with 3-2 Son clave)
• "Me Quedo Contigo" by Leoni Torres (3-2 Son clave starts 10 seconds in)

Claves consist either of two matched cylindrical hardwood sticks (the instrument on the right in the photo) or a large and small hardwood stick with an arched cut in the middle of the larger one (the instrument on the left). A resonant hardwood such as granadilla wood is desirable.