Castanets are used as rhythmic accompaniment to the dance. They are made from ebony, rosewood and other hardwoods. By the way, contrary to popular belief, the birthplace of castanets is not Spain, but Ancient Egypt, since it was there that prototypes of modern castanets could be found. From the 6th century BC, on Greek frescoes, they began to depict dancing women holding a crotalo (from the Spanish crotalo - "rattle", "rattle"), which resembled long wooden castanets. Castanets are easy to play.
Instructions
Step 1
There are two main styles of playing castanets - classical and folk. Playing in the classical style, the musician attaches the castanets to the thumbs of both hands with a cord, which holds the two halves of the musical instrument together. In the right hand, you should hold a castanet, which sounds brighter and higher (it is called hembra). The second, which is held in the left hand, is called macho. It is customary to play the castanet with the right hand with four fingers (index, middle, ring, little finger), which, like hammers, extract fast trills (or carretillas) along the outer half of the castanet. The left hand emphasizes the rhythm, using individual notes (golpes).
Step 2
When playing in a folk style, the musician usually uses castanets of lower sounding and larger sizes. These castanets are attached to one or more fingers with laces. With the action of the movement of the hand, the halves of the instrument hit the palm and produce a loud, choppy sound, which is different from the sound when played in the classical way.
Step 3
According to the classical school, when playing castanets, you can produce five different sounds (ta, pi, pan, chim, ria), which differ in timbre. With their help, with skillful play, you can create many beautiful rhythmic patterns.
Step 4
Pick up the castanets and practice - hit the castanets with each finger in turn (starting with the little finger) and gradually increase the rhythm. Try to keep every sound you make clear. While playing the castanet with your left hand, strike with your middle, ring and pinky fingers at the same time. The rhythm from which you can start learning, extract with the fingers of your right hand, and end it with one note on the "left" castanet. Try to achieve a fast pace, alternate playing with your right and left hands. Sometimes it is allowed to hit the castanets against each other.
