An acoustic study of the Brazilian cuica
Abstract
The cuica is a friction drum of African origin played in the batucada (an ensemble of instruments used for the samba) during the Brazilian carnival. It is played by rubbing a bamboo rod which is connected to the center of a drum head, giving a rhythmic grunting sound. Pitch is changed by applying pressure to the membrane. This paper discusses several acoustic aspects of a folk cuica (made of a gourd) including the waveforms, spectra, and time envelopes produced. Rubbing the bamboo rod gives a primitive saw-toothed excitation, similar to a bowed violin string. This is connected to the center of a membrane which modifies and radiates the sound. The body of the cuica contributes little to the sound.
- Publication:
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Acoustical Society of America Journal
- Pub Date:
- November 2002
- DOI:
- 10.1121/1.4779049
- Bibcode:
- 2002ASAJ..112.2266W
- Keywords:
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- Music;
- Acoustics