Lecture Notes on Clave and Clavich Concepts

Introduction to Clave

• Clave: one of the earliest musical instruments, essentially two sticks struck together.
• Importance: concept of 'clavich', a fundamental aspect of rhythm and sound.

Techniques in Playing Clave

• Proper holding technique:
  • Create a resonating chamber with one hand.
  • Difference in sound when held correctly.
• Resonance: Allows the wood to resonate, enhancing sound quality.

Clave in Music Traditions

• Latin American Music: Influenced by African sacred music traditions.
• African Sacred Music:
  • Utilizes similar patterns often in triple meter.
  • Commonly played on a bell, serving as a timeline.
• Cultural Traditions:
  • Congo, Yoruba, Arana traditions use these rhythmic patterns.

Clave in Popular Music

• Evolution: From sacred music to popular genres like rumba and song.
• Melody-Rhythm Relationship:
  • Melodies of traditional sacred songs intertwine with clave rhythms.
  • Importance of adhering to these rhythms in compositions.

Clave in Cuban and New Orleans Music

• Cuba:
  • Clave is a central aspect of music.
  • Clave errors are noticeable and corrected immediately.
• New Orleans:
  • Clave is present but not emphasized.
  • Music is naturally in clave; sometimes 'crossed', but not a major concern.

Concept of Being "In Clave"

• Definition:
  • Aligning melody with the rhythm of the clave.
• Importance in Composition:
  • Melodies and rhythmic patterns must match the clave.
  • Counterpoint rhythm is allowed but should not disrupt the clave.

Clave in Brazilian and Other Music

• Brazilian Music:
  • Not studied explicitly but follows clave principles.
  • Musicians may not use the term but adhere to its concept.

Composition and Arrangement

• Composers must consider clave when writing music.
• Writing in Clave:
  • Arrangements built naturally around the clave.
  • Sections may change clave but should be seamless.

Performance and Clave

• Cuban Rumba Groups:
  • Lead singers often play the clave.
  • Requires rhythmic independence to improvise while maintaining the clave.
• Antiphonal Parts:
  • Must align correctly with the clave.
  • Mistakes in clave placement are corrected immediately.

Conclusion

• Clave is not just an instrument but a fundamental concept in many music traditions.
• Understanding and adhering to clave is critical for composers, arrangers, and performers in related musical genres.