Choro, which means “cry” or “lament” in Portuguese, is a type of Brazilian music that began in the 19th century in Rio de Janeiro. Even though its name suggests sadness, the music often has a quick and joyful rhythm. It is known for skilled playing, improvisation, and small changes in key.
The Gonguê, also called the Gonguê bell, is a percussion instrument from Brazil. It is a type of cowbell made of a large, flat iron bell that is 20–30 centimeters (7.9–11.8 inches) in size. A cable is attached to the bell to provide support.
A zabumba (Portuguese pronunciation: [zaˈbũbɐ]) is a type of bass drum used in Brazilian music. The player wears the drum while standing and uses both hands to play it. The zabumba is usually between 16 and 22 inches in diameter and 5 to 8 inches tall.
The pandeiro (Portuguese pronunciation: [pɐ̃ˈdejɾu]) is a type of hand frame drum commonly used in Brazil. It is played in several Brazilian music styles, including samba, choro, coco, capoeira, and bossa nova. The pandeiro has a tunable drumhead, and its rim holds metal jingles (platinelas) that are cupped.
An agogô (Yoruba: [‘aɡoɡo]) is a type of bell percussion instrument. It originated in West African music and is now often used in both traditional and modern Brazilian music. Agogôs are usually made from two cone-shaped metal pieces that produce different sounds.
The cuíca is a Brazilian drum that makes sound by rubbing. It can create many different pitches by changing how tight the drum’s surface is. The word “cuíca” comes from the Portuguese name for a gray four-eyed opossum (Philander opossum), which is known for making a high-pitched sound.
A repinique is a two-headed drum used in samba baterias, which are groups of musicians who play percussion instruments. It is used in the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo Carnival baterias and in the baterias of Bahia, where it is called repique. It is similar to the tik-tik in non-Brazilian drum kits or to the tenor drum in marching bands.
A tamborim (pronounced in Portuguese as [tɐ̃boˈɾĩ] or [tɐ̃buˈɾĩ]) is a small, round Brazilian frame drum. It was created from similar drums brought to Brazil by the Portuguese. The frame of the tamborim is 6 inches wide and can be made of metal, plastic, or wood.
The surdo is a large drum similar to a bass drum or floor tom used in many types of Brazilian music, such as Axé/Samba-reggae and samba. It plays the lower parts in a percussion section. The instrument was created by Alcebíades Barcelos during the 1920s and 1930s as part of his work with the first samba school in Rio de Janeiro, called Deixa Falar.
Samba is a general term for many rhythms that form well-known Brazilian music styles. These rhythms began in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Afro-Brazilian communities in Bahia. The word “samba” is used to describe different types of rhythms, such as samba urbano carioca (urban Carioca samba) and samba de roda (sometimes called rural samba).