 | |
| Percussion instrument | |
|---|---|
| Classification | Hand percussion |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.11 (Concussionidiophone) |
Claves (/ˈklɑːveɪz,kleɪvz/;Spanish:[ˈklaβes]) are apercussion instrument consisting of a pair of short, wooden sticks about 20–25 centimeters (8–10 inches) long and about 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) in diameter.[1][2] Although traditionally made of wood (typicallyrosewood,ebony orgrenadilla) many modern manufacturers offer claves made offiberglass orplastic.
When struck, claves produce a bright, penetrating clicking noise. This makes them useful when playing in large dance bands.[3] Claves are sometimes hollow and carved in the middle to amplify the sound.
Claves have been very important in the development ofAfro-Cuban music, such as theson andguaguancó.They are also often used in Samba music. They are often used to play anostinato, or repeating rhythmic figure, throughout a piece known as theclave.[4]
Many examples of clave-like instruments can be found around the world.[5]
The basic principle when playing claves is to allow at least one of them to resonate. The usual technique is to hold one lightly with the thumb and fingertips of the non-dominant hand, with the palm up. This forms the hand into aresonating chamber for the clave. Holding the clave on top of fingernails makes the sound clearer. The other is held by the dominant hand at one end with a firmer grip, much like how one normally holds a drumstick. With the end of this clave, the player strikes the resting clave in the center.[6]
Traditionally, the striking clave is calledel macho ("the male") and the resting clave is calledla hembra ("the female"). This terminology is used even when the claves are identical.
A roll can be achieved on the claves by holding one clave between the thumb and first two fingers, and then alternating pressure between the two fingers to move the clave back and forth. This clave is placed against the resonating clave to produce a roll.[7]
Some salsa singers play this percussion while singing.
Among the bands to have used claves arethe Beatles in their recordings "Don't Bother Me", "And I Love Her" andThe Who in their song "Magic Bus".
Claves are also utilized in the interstitial spaces of theNight Court theme.
Many composers looking to emulateAfro-Cuban music will often use claves such asArturo Márquez withDanzón No. 2 orGeorge Gershwin with hisCuban Overture.
Steve Reich'sMusic for Pieces of Wood is written for five pairs of claves.[8]
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
