‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) Balkan Music (/) Balkan Music Theory (and more) BALKAN MUSIC THEORY - ONE BIG PAGE (/BALKAN- MUSIC-THEORY-ONE-BIG-PAGE) Balkan & Blues Music Theory Table of Contents LIntroduction 3 IL Rhythms and time-signatures 3 II.4 Basic Rhythm Definitions 5 1.1 Beat 5 1.1.2 Pulse 6 4.3 Rhythm 6 11.1.4 Bar (Measure) 6 1.5 Time-signature 6 11.1.6 Grouping of notes 6 11,1.6.a Simple time-signatures 6 11.1.6.b Compound Time-Signatures 7 11.1.6.c Combined Time-Signatures 7 hptakan musicum.com/ 1194‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.4.6.d Mixed Time-Signatures 7 1.2"2/4" Time-signature 7 13"3/4" Time-signature 10 1.4"4/4" Time-signature 11 15 "5/8" Time-signature 12 115.1"243/8" 12 115.2"3+2/8" 13 11.6"6/8" Time-signature 15 1.7 "7/8" Time-signature 16 11 7.1"°3+242/8" 16 117.2°2+243/8" 18 18"8/8" Time-signature 20 11.9 9/8 Time-signature 22 11,9. °2#2+2+3/8" 22 1.9.1. The Classic "2+2+2+3/8" 23 11.9.1.b The Zeimbekiko 24 IL.9.1.b.. The Old Zeimbekiko (Nahi Zeiprréxiko) 24 I.9.1.bii. The New Zeimbekiko (Néo Zeiprréxiko) 25 11.9.2"3+2+2+2/8" 27 11.10 References: 27 11,10.1 Internet 27 1110.1. General knowledge (multiple resources) 27 1.10.1.b Rhythms and time-signatures 27 11.10.1.b.i. PDF documents 27 11,10.1.b.ii, Websites 28 .10.1.biili, Videos 28 11.10.2TO DO 28 11.10.3 web-pages to be updated 28 htptakan musicum com’apsn015 Balkan Musi | Balkan Music Theory (and more) htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) Il. INTRODUCTION This short book is intended for musicians who have some knowledge in Music Theory and want to expand it with understanding of what makes the Balkan music tick Balkan music theory is not a separate entity - it’s rather a link between the music of Western Europe and Near East. ‘The proper name for this booklet might be: Balkan Rhythm & Blues Music Theory: Reference Guide. Because, although based in Classical music theory, elements from Blues, Rock and Jazz theory will be included as well. The reason for that is that the aim is not only to reflect on the theory created so far, but to look forward in using this theory knowledge in creating new music. Names of rhythms and scales are usually Greek and Arabic. The reason is that Greek music has been influenced by the oriental music in the last five centuries. In turn, the Greek names of scales and rhythms are now commonly used between most musicians who perform music from (or influenced by) the Balkans. ‘The topics to be included will be: + Rhythms & time-signatures + Intervals * Scales * Chords * Chords from scales * Common chord progressions * lucked strings ornaments Il. RHYTHMS AND TIME-SIGNATURES Balkan music uses a variety of rhythms and time-signatures. Many of them are already part of the global music treasury, some of them may be considered unique (the Tsamiko & Paydouska rhythms, the 11/8 time-signature, etc), The uneven time-signatures are ingrained into the soul of Balkan musicians so deeply, so that a 7/8 based rhythm in Macedonia is called the ‘straight rhythm (npasoro). But Balkan time-signatures are not an intellectual entity separated from everyday life (waiting for researchers to classify them). When talking about Balkan time-signatures, one must never separate them from dances. htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) Anaverage person living in some of the Balkan countries would not know what on earth is 5/8 or 2+3/8, or how it works. But tell them Paydushka / Baiduska, or Tsamiko, and they can clap its pulse or even dance to it. So, to understand Balkan uneven rhythms, one should dance them (it at al possible). Or at least watch the dances. 1.1 LISTENING EXAMPLES. For this purpose, many of the links to the music examples given in this booklet are actually Youtube searches. This is because individual videos may be deleted anytime, without any notice. Having searches instead, the probability to hear the song/dance in question is much higher. And one can usually hear/see several performances of a song (usually the first 5-6 would the more adequate). Whenever possible, these searches are done in the original language, bringing results that would be accessible to the average person interested to hear authentic examples of a certain song, dance, time-signature or scale. But even if one is not too keen to go to youtube, one can make it's own further research using the original names and their English transliterations. We don't know what's first: the dances or time-signatures. We know that there are advanced dance movements perfected over history in many combinations of rhythms and pulses. ‘And they make great basis for composing music that sounds fresh, interesting, authentic and beautiful 1.2 NOTATION. ‘The notation of rhythms is done in two ways in this booklet. 1.2.1 ONE LINE PERCUSSION STAVE: short pulse long pulse NL 7 te ZN. higher notes. piitchea above lower + the line sound (snare ani drum, etc) soun (kick 123 4 drum, etc) beats represent a higher pitched, and those below the lines a lower pitched percussion instrument. In the case of compound rhythms, the pulses are given in a graphical presentation above the staff. htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) But this can be seen in another way as well: the notes under the line are the strong (Arsis), and notes above are the weak (Theses) beats. ‘The numbers below represent the beats, which is useful especially in uneven rhythms. 11.2.2 FULL DRUM NOTATION: kick/bass drum Examples of how the rhythms could be played on drums will be given using a drum notation as in the ‘example above. A cymbal, cowbel or tom may be occasioanlly added. The following topics will be discussed here: Basic definitions 2/4 3/4 5/8 68 718 a8 918 118 1.3 BASIC RHYTHM DEFINITIONS There isn't much u rmity today in defining basic concepts as Beat, Pulse, etc. htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) ‘The whole purpose of the definitions below is to establish the terms and the way they will be used in this booklet. 11.3.1 BEAT * Beat is the basic unit of time. * Used for mathematical purposes in music notation, to establish the number of beats in a time- signature. * The lower number ina time-signature represents beats. 11.3.2 PULSE * Pulseis the overall feel of regular patterns ina composition. = It’s what we clap in a song, or dance to. * Beat and Pulse are the same in Simple Time-Signatures. * They differ in Compound and Combined Time-Signatures. * The pulse may be audible or implied, 11.3.3 RHYTHM + Rhythms a combination of short and long notes. * The foundation of the rhythm is in the pulse, and the most simple rhythms are simply pulses. 11.3.4 BAR (MEASURE) * The smallest rhythmical unit in a composition, * Itconsists of two or more beats as well as pulses + The number of beats are given in the upper number of the time-signature. 1.3.5 TIME-SIGNATURE + Time-signature is the sign that informs us about the length off the bar, thus establishing the Metre: * Upper number - number of beats htptakan musicum com’ m4‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) Lower number - the kind of beats 11.3.6 GROUPING OF NOTES Tomal Time- ke sense of the more complex time-signatures, the understanding of grouping of notes is essential ignatures are divided into several categories. 1.3.6.4 SIMPLE TIME-SIGNATURES 2,36 4 beats-in-a-bar ‘The beat and pulse are the same. 11.3.6.B COMPOUND TIME-SIGNATURES 6/8, 9/8 or 12/8 In 6/8, the 6 beats are divided into two groups of three beats, thus one bar contains two evenly spaced pulses. Those pulses feel slightly longer than the ones in simple time-signatures Inthe compound 9/8, the 9 beats are even pulses ina bar. ided into three groups of three beats, so there are three 12/8 contains four long pulses 11.3.6.C COMBINED TIME-SIGNATURES. ‘Also known as Uneven, Odd-time, Asymmetric, Irregular Mainly 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 Beats-in-a-Bar. Created by combining Simple and Compound Time-Signatures ‘The grouping of notes (and thus the pulse) consists of combinations of 2 (short) and 3 (long) notes. This creates a flow of uneven pulses, which is the essence of Balkan rhythms. 11.3.6.D MIXED TIME-SIGNATURES htptakan musicum com’ More than one time-signature in a composition‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.4 “2/4” TIME-SIGNATURE Description: the most simple time-signature, used in all music around the world; two beats (as well as two pulses) ina bar. When played slowly it's called Hasapiko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasapiko) (Xaadriko) in Greece: Wet When faster tempo is used, usually called Hasaposerviko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hasapiko) (XacartocépBiKo) in Greece, Kolo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolo_(dance)) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolo_{dance))(Kono) or Oro/Horo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolo_(dance)) (Opo/Xopo) in the southern Slavic regions: uy tr! Sirtaki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirtaki) (Zupraxi)is simply a modern dance based on Hasapiko, invented in the film Zorba’s Dance. There are a few variations of this straight rhythm. Sousta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sousta) (ZoUoTa), Greece 4 citch And its variation, Ballos (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballos) (Mr&Aod): MPpich a Listening example: Ti Se Meli Esenane (Ti Ze MEAAe1 Eoévave)(https://wwn.youtube.com/results? filters=video&lclk=video&search_query=%22t1+0E+pEAAEI+EcévavEe%22) -a Greek folk song; Slim Gailard's version is not representative for the rhythm, but nevertheless interesting Pentozali (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentozali) (MevrofaAng), Crete htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Mise | Baan Msi Test mre) uy pitty ‘The Chochek (see 8/8 time-signature) is sometimes written in 2/4 (implying a secondary, even pulse): Wet The Syrtos (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syrtos) rhythm also contains two pulses: Ppt The Tsifteteli (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsifteteli) (ToipreréAl) rhythm, when played faster, gets a ‘two-pulses-in-a-bar feeling and is also written in 2/4 time-signature: Weep tet ‘The Bulgarian Pravo Horo (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgarian_dances) (Mhpaso Xopo), because of its pulse, is sometimes notated in 2/4, using triplets. Weettett But most of its melodi 1es fit perfectly in 6/8 or 12/8, avoiding the need of repetitive triplet signs. htptakan musicum com’ s094‘arsr01s falkan Music| Baan Mise Theory (amor) 11.5 “3/4” TIME-SIGNATURE This is also a simple time-signature, and the beats coincide with the pulse. The popular 3/4 Waltz time-signature is used to some extent across the Balkans (nicknamed Valcer (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/valcer)). whet In Valcer songs, the Western European influence is obvious: melodies are most often in Major or Minor natural scales. In Serbian music it's performed as three straight beats, often the first one only slightly In Albanian, Greek, and Macedonian music a great variation has been developed, Tsamiko (hetps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsamiko) (Tesyxoc), notated as 3/2 as it's usually performed in medium or slow tempo. Hrottrt ‘drummer would play the 1/4 or 1/2 notes on the hi-hat/cymbal and the rhythm variation on the kick/snare: a Examples for listening: Vallja E Katjushkes -Albanian trad al song htptakan musicum com’ 14‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.6 “4/4” TIME-SIGNATURE Again a simple time-signature where the beats and pulse are the same. Most common metre in Western music, hence the letter C (from Common) instead of a numeric time-signature sign Inits basic form, 4/4 is a repeated 2/4 metre: Ire 1 $ 1 t | In the Balkans, many rhythmic variations of 4/4 are used, with influences from Near East and India, to the Caribbean and Latin America. We won't discuss these rhythms here, as they nicely described in numerous books and websites. ‘The most popular form of the common metre used in the Balkans is Tsifteteli (https://enwikipedia.org/wiki/Tsifteteli) (TowgreréA): rest ort There is also a variation, known among musicians as the ‘Turkish Tsifteteli’ or ‘Turkish Chochek’ (Typcxn ouex): H-Cg tH _ 4 { tttctort Both rhythms are Arabic (http://www.maqamworld.com/rhythms.html).. ‘Arhythm pattern that's often used in Bulgarian and Macedonian musics the following (nameless): Heng tet htptakan musicum com’ a4sareszos falkan Music| Baan Mise Theory (amor) 11.7 “5/8” TIME-SIGNATURE Thisis the first example of a time-signature where the beats and pulse are not the same. There are five beats in a bar, and they are most oftenwritten as 5/8, 5/16 and rarely 5/4, 16" note would indicate a faster, and a quarter note a slower tempo. But now there are 2 pulses per bar, and they can either be: * 2+3/8 (short-long) * 3+2/8 (long-short) 17.1 “2+3/8” Let's look at the 2+3/8 time-signature first, with a short-long pulse: we etett This variation of the 5/8 time-signature is most often found in Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania and northern: It goes under the name Paydushka (Najaywika, MaviaywiKo) point needs to be clarified here: while the Greeks give names to the rhythms independently of their ssongs/dances, the rest of the Balkan musicians seem to associate a particular time-signature or its variation with its most popular dance. In this case, there's a very popular instrumental dance called Paydushko (h)Oro (Mlajayuxxo Opo/Xopo) in 23/8 ‘So among most Balkan musicians, all 2+3/8 rhythms are simply called Paydushka. ‘They are usually in moderate/faster tempo, and the actual performance looks like this: 1-233 nt With several variations: htptakan musicum com’ 1904‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) ‘Adrummer would play the 1/8th beats with a hi-hat/cymbal and the pulse with kick/snare. Occasionally a 1/4 note hi-hat/cymbal is used over two bars, adding a contemporary fee! Listening Examples: + Paydushko Oro (Najaywiko Opo, Macedonian) (https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=najayuiKo+opo) © - the original tune + Paydusko Horo (Maiayuuko Xopo, Bulgaria) (https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=naviay.Koxopo) © several tunes in 2+3/8 * Bayduska ((https://www-youtube.com/results?search_query=Mrraivrodcxa)MmaivrovoKka {(https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mrraivrovoxa), Greece) (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mrraivrovoxa) © again, many dances in 2+3/8 11.7.2 “3+2/8” Let's now consider 3+2/8: Ar WAZ ot tet The pulse is long-short. Used mainly in Greece, and it's usually performed slower and as written above. ‘The most popular rendition of this variation of 5/8 is used in David Brubecks's “Take Five” htptakan musicum com’ a4‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) wat e th +t uw A few variations would sound like this: Hag? Tory yon t oy rath In 243/8, drummers would typically play the V8 beats on hi kick/bass: wey c= at/cymbal as well as on kick/snare; the pulses either implied or played with a In contemporary renditions, playing quarter note beats with the hi-hat/cymbal would make the rhythm more interesting: Listening examples: © Take Five, Dave Brubeck (https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=Dave+Brubeck+Take+Five) © Tzamaika (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Teapdixa+AciZos) (Teapdaca {(http://www.stixoi.info/stixoi.phpinfo=Lyrics&act=details&song_id-873)) - popular lively Greek song from the 70's by Loizos + Mi Girevis Omorgies (https://wwnw.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mn+yupedeictopop@piéc) (Mn Fupeveis Opopets (http:/www.stixoi.info/stixoi. php? info=Lyrics&act=details&song_id=361&hI-lupeteicaaaQuop gies) ~a great ballad originally sung by Dalaras htptakan musicum com’ 1504sareszos falkan Music| Baan Mise Theory (amor) 11.8 “6/8” TIME-SIGNATURE ‘The typical 6/8 time-signature is divided in two long pulses: htptakan musicum com’ 16804‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Mic Thar (and mare) 11.9 “7/8” TIME-SIGNATURE 7/81 the most popular uneven time-signature in whole Balkan music. Grouping of notes (and thus pulses) in 7/8 is done in three variations: + 34242 (long-short-short) + 2+2+3 (short-long-long) * 2+3+2 (short-long-short) 11.9.1 “3+2+2/8” WAREZ eee ges In central Greece it would often be performed at slower tempo, especially in contemporary music and a percussionist would perform it as in the example above, while a drummer might add a hi-hat: agg Music example: + Na Dioxo Ta Synnefa (https://www.youtube.com/resultsfilters-video&search_query=%226a 1 Buus +104 oUvEGAE22EICIk=video) (Na AuiEw Ta Zuvveda (http://wwwstixoi.info/stixol php? info=Lyrics&act=details&song. id=5131)*) -a Greek contemporary song ‘The traditional way of performing this variation of 7/8 is: htptakan musicum com’ 14res2015 Balan Muse Balkan Musi Theory (rdmoce) a er Ry ?t Orwitha full drum-set: 3+2#2is the variation of the 7/8 time-signature called the ‘straight’ (Pravoto {https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesnoto)) or recently the ‘easy’ dance (npasoro, necHoTo) in Macedonia. The reason is that atleast a third of all Macedonian traditional songs and dances are composed in this metre, Often these are mellow, lyrical pieces. Below are some examples: * Yovano, Yovanke (Josako, Josanike) (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22JosaH0 +oBarKe%22) probably the most popular; graced even by Nigel Kennedy (https://wnu.youtube.com/results? search_query=Jovano+Nigel) * Eleno Kyerko (Enexo Kepxo) (https://wwnw.youtube.com/results?search_query-eneHorKepKo +caporpancka) ~ probably the most beautiful + Marie Dilber Bela Marie (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=video&search_query=%22marietdilbertbela%22+or+%22marije+dilber +bela%226silters-video) another pear! In Greece this rhythmis called Kalamatianos (https://en.wikipedia org/wiki/Kalamatianos) (Kakayariavéc), and is in a slightly faster tempo with some vari Examples: * Kalamatianos Horos (https://www-youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoS&search_query=%22kahayaTiaves+ xop6c%22++FopxnotpIkoFopyaviKotpigeGtt-exet~ emma+-rrouhaxia+-TéAoc+-epKa6filters=video) an instrumental dance, most often referred to as the Kalamatiano' dance + Mou ParigileT’ Aydoni (Mou Mlapfyyene T'Andévi)(https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22yourmapriyyene+t'+andévi%226filters=video) ~a great wedding song, htptakan musicum com’ 1094‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) + Samyotisa (Sauicirigoa) (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-video&search_query-oayiitioaSiclk=video) - the song that my grandfather Theodor loved ‘And a few of my own compositions: * Taga Za Yug (Tara sa Jyr) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?\ - electric guitar instrumental, Balkan/rock fusion -AV70AITYLE) + Stone Bridge (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkXRmkjaCKM) ~another instrumental the same style and rhythm 11.9.2 “2+2+3/8” This variation of 7/8 consists of short-short-long pulse: fF a W283 ote teth aa Ata slower tempo, this variation would be performed on percussion as the example above. Ata faster tempo, a percussionist would play it like this: WARD gg te ‘Adrummer would play the beats with a hi-hat/cymbal and the pulses with a kick/snare: htptakan musicum com’ 1904‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) Of course, many variations are possible and do exist. Here are some: we e + - 1 Itgets a wide use in Bulgarian folk songs and dances under the name “R (https://bg. wikipedia org/wiki/Ppuernua)a (https://bg wikipedia.org/wiki/PaueHnua)chenica (https://bg. wikipedia org/wiki/PeueHnua)” (PRueHnua, sentence). Of course, it's popular in the other Balkan regions as well. a Listening examples: Elenino Horo (Enessntio Xopo) (https://www.youtube.com/results? ilters=videoSlclk=video&search_query=eneHiHo+xopo) ~adance commonly associated with Rachenica (BG) + Eleno Oro (Enetio Opo) (https://www-youtube.com/results? filters-videoS&ilclk=video&search_query=eneHo+opo) - the Macedor inversion + Rum Dum Dum (Pym lym Diy) (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-video&search_query=rum+dum+duméilcik=video) -a popular Macedonian folk song, where the title 'rum-dum-dum' actually the three pulses: short-short-long. tes the feel of * Palamakia, Palamakia (NaAapaxia, NaAayaKia) (https://www.youtube.com/results? ilters=video&search_query=%22Trahapdkiat rakapdKia%22+-rTralgeTeslclk=video) -aGreek song htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.10 “8/8” TIME-SIGNATURE The most popular variation of this time-signature is popular Chochek (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Gosek) (Mower), also knows as: NAN Ww 3gr2 riety! It contains three pulses: long-long-short and it's usually performed like thi we dege2 ert Adrummer would perform the beats on a hi-hat and the pulses on kick/snare: The ride cymbal would usually play in quarter notes: Loto ab were ‘There's also a secondary, even pulse associated with this variation of 8/8. This is the reason why it's sometimes written in 2/4, This implied pulse is often played on a cow bell or tambourine in recordings or live performances. In the example below, a kick/snare plays the three uneven pulses, hi-hat the beats and a cow bell the secondary, even pulse: htptakan musicum com’ are‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) This rhythm often used in weddings across all Balkan regions, and the songs are usually jolly and uplifting, a Listening examples: Maria Me Ta Kitrin (https://Awww.youtube.com/results? htptakan musicum com’ Iclk=videoSfilters=video&search query=%22uapia+ye+ta+Kirpiwa+%22)a (https://www.youtube.com/results?Iclk=videoSfilters=video&search_query=%22uapia+pe-+ra -4xiTpiva+%22) (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSfilters-videoSsearch_query=922yapia+ ye+ra+xirpwa+%22)(Mapia Me Ta Kirpwva) (https://www.youtube.com/results?Iclk-videoSfilters-video&search_query=%22uapia+pe-+ra -+xitpiva+%22) ~a popular Greek song Fato Mori Dushmanke (aro Mopi Llyuimanke) (https://mww.youtube.com/results? filters-video& lelk-video&search_query=%22cbaTo# mop ay wnahKe+%22) ~a popular Macedonian song Hajde (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22hajde+shoto+mashalah%22&filters=video)S {https:/Awmw.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoB&search_query=%22hajde+shoto+mashalah%226filters=video)hoto {https://wmw.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22hajde+shototmashalah%226filters=video)M (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22hajde+shototmashalah%226filters=video)ashallah {https://wmw.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoS&search_query=%22hajde+shototmashalah%22& filters=video) popular Albania folksong Shote Mori Shote (Wore Mopa Lllore) (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22+Sote+mori+sote%226filters=video) -Serbian/Bosnian versions of the above song ~be sure to check the ‘Tom Jones' version of this song.‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 1.11 9/8 TIME-SIGNATURE The 9/8 time-signature contains several groupings that are actively used Balkan music: + 2+242+3 (short-short-short-long) + 3+2+2+2 (long-short-short-short) + 2+3+2+2 (short-long-short-short) Butfirstofal lets take alook at the Western clasial and Jazz music. where's divided into three even pulses, 313438: IE 3*3*3 rit tt a ‘As with the other compound time-signatures, the beats would be played by hi-hat and pulses by pes Contemporary Jazz Waltz (jazz%20waltz%20drums) drumming has developed countless yet beautiful variations of this variation of 9/8. CQ serine examples: * Adagio in G-minor (http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ATuoxYAsBvs) by Albinioni (or Giazoto?) {(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adagio_in_G_minor) - probably the best composition written in 3+3+3+/8 Now let's look at he Balkan variations. 1.11.1 “2+2+2+3/8" This is definitely the most popular variation in Balkan music. So popular, that we will have to divide this variation into further chapters for a clearer understanding. htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.11.1.A THE CLASSIC “2+2+2+3/8” This is by far the most popular rendition of 2+2+2+3 and it’s found in all Balkan regions. It's usually played at afast tempo. In Greece it's know as Karislamas (KapaiAaydss) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karsilamas) mrs woke atten ‘When tempo is slow, percussionist would sometimes perform it in way written above. At faster speeds, only the pulses are played: it 222x228 t 1 + t ‘Adrummer would play the beats on the hi-hat in both variations: For wedding songs and dances, a rendition that makes it sound like a Tsifteteli is commonly played, with a stress on the 3" and 7" beat: htptakan musicum com’ are‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) In the above rendition, the rhythm gets a two-pulses-in-a-bar feeling and it's usually performed on aride cymbal. Cavers examples: Nishka Banya (Hmuika Batea) (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters=video&search_query=%22HnwKa+Garsa%226lclk=video) ~a popular Serbian traditional song in fast tempo Ne Si Go Prodavaj Kolyo (He Cu Fo Mponasaj Korso) (https://www-youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22Hetcn#ro'npoqasaj+ Kor.0%226filters=video) Macedonian folk song ‘A Kane Uje Ato Burime (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoBsearch_query=%22a+kane+uje+atotburime%226filters=video) Albanian traditional song Pou'ne Ta Hronia (Mlou'va Ta Xpovia) (httpsi/mww.youtube.com/results?search_query=3%22rr0u K6Ovar+1a+xpovIa%226silters=videoSIclk=video) ~agreat Greek song, 11.11.1.B THE ZEIMBEKIKO In Greece, the songs and dances are usually slow to medium tempo and are known under the name Zeimbekiko (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeibekiko) (Zeiymréxiko). Usually written in 9/4, but we'll keep the 9/8 time-signature for consitency. htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) There are two main variations of Zeimbekiko: wat .1. THE OLD ZEIMBEKIKO (NAAIO ZEIMITEKIKO) 2222243 + \ ete ett ‘drummer would play as above, adding the beats on hi-hat: wanes Ete riko (Kaynhép Ko ZeiutréKiKo): a Asimilar rendition is known under the name Kami wear urtr unt Ceo tes or istening + Sinefyazmeni Kiryaki ((https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoBsearch_query=%22ouvvepmaopévn+Kupiaxi%226filters=video)Zuvve@iacpévn Kupiaxe (https://www.youtube.com/results?Iclk-video&search_query=%22auvvepiaayevn 4 KupIaKri%226filters=video) (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=video&search_query=%220uvvepiacpevn+KupiaKr%226filters=video) probably the most famous zeimbekiko; by Tsitsanis + TaMatoklada Sou Lamboun (Ta Maréxhadé cou Adyriowy) (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-video&lclk-videoSsearch_query=%22ra+yaToxhada+cou+AapTIowv%22) -a classic medium tempo Zeimbekiko by Vamvakaris + Ine Arga Poly Arga (Eivai Apyé Mohv Apya) (https/www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSflters=videoSsearch_query=%22e1vartapya+Trohu+apya%22+-KhayaTa) ~a beautiful Greek song .11.1.B.I1. THE NEW ZEIMBEKIKO (N'EO ZEIMITEKIKO) htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) W222 Ped wit titi \ While the percussionists may play this rendition as above, once the Drum Kit entered the Greek music podiums, the typical way to perform New Zeimbekiko became the unison playing of Cortes tor istoning: * Eimai Aetos Horis (https://www-youtube.com/results? filters=videoS&lclk=video&search_query=%22eIparranrostxwpic+@repa%22)F (https://www.youtube.com/results? ++xwpigprepa%22)thera (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-video& Iclk-video&search_query=%22eIyaitantoctxwpic+orepa%22) (https://www.youtube.com/results +4xwpic+prepa%22)Eiuar (https://mww.youtube.com/results? filters-video& Ielk-videoBsearch_query=%22elyaltantoc!xwpIc+orepa%22)A {https://www.youtube.com/results?filters=video&lclk=video&search_query=%22eyartantos +xwpic+prepa%22)nTés (https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-video& Iclk-video&search_query=%22eIpaitantactxwpic+orepa%22)X {https://www.youtube.com/results?filters=videodlclk=video&search_query=%22eyartantos 4xwpic+prepa%22)wpic (https://wmww.youtube.com/results? filters-video&lclk=video&search_query=%22eIpartantoc+xwpis+grepa%22)O {https:/Awww.youtube.com/results?fiters=video&lclk=video&search_ query=%622ear-anros +4xwpIc+pTEpa%22}rE pA (https://mww.youtube.com/results? filters-video&lclk-video&search_query=%22eaitantoc+xwpc+orepa%22)) {https://www.youtube.com/results?filters=video&lclk=video&search_ query=%622e1pat+an105 +xwpist@repa%22) -adeep and beautiful Greek song + Yati Me Xipnises Proi (Fiat! Me Sérrvnges Now) (https:/www.youtube.com/results? filters=video& lelk=video&search_query=%22yiari+ pet gorvnoes+mpust+%22) another deep and beautiful song, 27/09/15? htptakan musicum com’ Iters=video&lclk=video&search_query=%22epartantos ilters=video&lclk=video&search_query=%22e1yartantos ae‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 1111.2 “34+2+2+2/8” ‘The long pulse from the end of the classical Balkan 9/8 (2+2+2+3) is moved to the beginning of the metre: long-short-short-short. Does it make a difference? Of course it does - every bar now starts with a long and heavy dragging. This variation is found almost exclusively in Greece and is known as Aptaliko (ATTraAiKo). Being in essence a form of the Zeimbekiko, the short pulses can be played in the old or new style: WRB ee ttt rit eb yitet gt ‘Adrummer would simply add hi-hats in the 1/8 beats: CB onciestriserine * Kato Sta Lemonadika (Kérw Era Aeyovadika) (https://www.youtube.com/results? fers=videoSilclk=video&search_query=%22KaTw+oTa+heyovesixa%22) -aneo-Rebetiko Greek song htptakan musicum com’ 2008‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Mic Thar (and mare) * Pino Kai Metho ((https://www.youtube.com/results? filters-videoS&lclk-video&search_query-%22mivus+Ka+1e8t%22)Mivw kai Meow {(https://www.youtube.com/results?filters=video&lcIk=videoSsearch_query=%22mIvw+Kal ++1€6w%22)) (httpsi//www.youtube.com/results? filters=videoS&lclk=video&search_query=%22TIvw+kalt1e0W%22) ~ another Greek song in similar fashion 1111.3 “24+3+2+2/8” ‘The pulses in this variant of the 9/8 time-signature are short-long-short-short: TA A HW 22Bg2"2 trtintet! This variant is ‘connected to the classic 9/8 and would be perfromed in a similar fashion: in slower tempo as the example above, and in faster tempo the pulses would be performed: 2285242 rt + Similarly, in drum the kick/snare would play the pulses while the hi-hat the beats: ‘This variation of the 9/8 opens endless combinations and these have not been explored much by contemporary drummers; here are some - including a 1/4-cymbal cymbal ride in the last two bars: htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) CRexamptes tor listening * Na Struga Dukyan Da Imam (Ha Crpyra Dlyéatt fla mam) (https://www.youtube.com/results? search_query=922Hatcrpyrataykantjatumam%226lclk=video&filters=video) - Macedonian traditional song. -VRoots (Kopenn) by Valkania (https://www:youtube.com/watch?v=Q42iRIN4iWs) ~a pop song in 2+3+2+2/8 11.12 “10/8” TIME-SIGNATURE 11.13 “11/8” TIME-SIGNATURE If 5/8 has two usable variations, and 7/8 offers three, but two are widely used; if 9/8 offers five variations and at least four are used; one would expect that an 11/8 time-signature would offer an array of combinations, many of whom would be part of the some Balkan traditions and thus subject to study and further development. But no. There's only one 11/8 variation actively in use, and the 2+2+3+2+2: qWNea&s 1 weed Peete ‘Thus, the pulses are: short-short-long-short-short. In Bulgaria, this variation of the 11/8 is known as Kopani (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopanitsa)ts (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopanitsala (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopanitsa) (KonaHiua) htptakan musicum com’‘arsr01s htptakan musicum com’ Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) In folk songs and dances, this time-signature is performed quite fast, so the actual pulses are obvious: W22sgede2 rt 1 on rH Drummers would play the beats on a hi-hat and the pulses on kick/snare; many combinations are possible, this isjust one: Creampies tor listening * Various Kopanitsa dances {https://www youtube.com/results? Iclk=videosfilters=videoSsearch_query=%22KonaHmy2%22) * Ludo Kopano (Mlyno Konaxo) - Bulgarian folk dance + Skopsko Oro (Ckoncko Opo) (htt} %228IcIk=videoSfilters=video) ~ Macedonian folk dance www.youtube.com/results?search_query=922cKoncko+opo * Suleymanovo Oro (Cyniejmaroso Opo) (https://www.youtube.com/results? Iclk=videoSsearch_query=%22sulejmanovo+oro%22+-joymaker+-egejsko&filters=video) another macedonian dance in 11/8 Vall The Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IENOjPJW6GM) ~aRock songin 11/8 ste‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) 11.14 REFERENCES: 1.14.1 INTERNET 11.14,1.A GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (MULTIPLE RESOURCES) * Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/) * Metre, Encyclopedia Britannica (http://www.britannica.com/) ‘+ MusicT (http://www.musictheory.net/heory.ne (http://www.musictheory.net/)t (http://www.musictheory.net/) * Lilypond percussion notation (http://lilypond.org/doc/v2.18/Documentation/notation/common- notation-for-percussion#percussion-staves) 11.14,1.B RHYTHMS AND TIME-SIGNATURES 44. I. PDF DOCUMENTS: * Bulgarian Dance Rhythms - Ludmil Krumov (http:/Awww.ludmilkrumov.com/site/wp- content/uploads/2010/10/Bulgarian-Odd-Rhythms1_paf) ‘+ Bulgarian Rhythms: Past, Present and Future {http://upers.kuleuven.be/sites/upers.kuleuven.be/files/pagerfiles/2012.; pdf) + The Greek laik6 (popular) rhythms: Some problematic issues (http://www.academia.edu/2045855/The_Greek_laiké_popular_rhythms_Some_problematic_issues) |. WEBSITES + Dunav.orgil (http://dunav.orgil/index html) ~Balkan folk dances and videos * Arabic Magam World (http://mww.magamworld.com/rhythms.htm)) + Middle Eastern Rhythms FAQ (http://www.khafif.com/rhy/) © Letter that Manthos Garlofis wrote me about Greek rhythms (http://www.khafif.com/rhy/garlofis/garlofis.htm) * BabaYagaMusic.com (http://babayagamusic.com/Music/bulgarian-musichtm) * Oddmetermix (https://oddmetermix.wordpress.com/) music examples in uneven time-signatures * List of musical works in unusual time signatures {(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_musical_works_in_unusual_tit htptakan musicum com’ sone‘arsr01s hptakan musicum com’ Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) * Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Music Rhythms (http://babayagamusic.com/Music/oriental- dance-rhythm-diagrams-and-descriptions.htm) + Mastering Odd, Complex Time Signatures And Rhythms {http://www.debone.com/MasteringOddComplexTimeSigsAndRhythms.htm)) + Folk Dance Rhythms (http://www.phantomranch.net/folkdanc/teaching/rhythms.htm) * Eroqso! Pubyor [Ready (Greek) Rhythms (http://www.noiz.gr/index.php2topic=182338.0) mp3 recordings from drumsmachine of various Greek rhythms + Greek Rhythm Mp3 Player (http://www.bouzoukispace.com/tools/flash-tools/greek-rhythm-mp3- player) + Greek Drum Beats (ready) (http://www.slidemeister.com/forums/index.php?topic=5514.0) + Rebetika Rhythms (https://mediterraneanpalimpsest wordpress.com/2013/01/23/rebetika- rhythms/) * Balkan Music (http://billpringle.com/wrp/balkan.html) + Irregular Rhythms ~ Paul Boizot (http://mww-paulboizot.co.uk/irregular:htm) + Asymmetric rhythm dances (Romania) (http://www-eliznik.org.uk/RomaniaDance/uneven.htm) + Don Ells (https://en.wikipedia org/wiki/Don Ellis) © Musician experimenting in unusual time-signatures 1.14.1.B.II1, VIDEOS * Ensemble BULGARE The musical rhythms of Bulgarian folklore* (https://www-youtube.com/watch? v=O1ZYJo80fY8) * Béla Bartdk - Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm (https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=5RMv9I9CSH4Slist=PL67029315D7AE713D) 11.14.2TO DO Check bulgarian rhythms: * Bulgarian Dance Rhythms - Ludmil Krumov (http://www. ludmilkrumov.com/site/wp- content/uploads/2010/10/Bulgarian-Odd-Rhythms1_paf) ‘+ Bulgarian Rhythms: Past, Present and Future {(http://upers.kuleuven.be/sites/upers. kuleuven.be/files/page/files/2012,; + sarba romanian rhythm 12/8 1114.3 WEB-PAGES TO BE UPDATED‘arsr01s Balkan Music| Balkan Musie Theory (and more) + 5/822/9 + rhythms 23/9 Read more (/balkan-music-theory-one-big-page) htptakan musicum com’