After the publication of his first two
method books „Brazilian Percussion“ and „Atabaque – the Brazilian
Conga“, the Brazilian percussionist Gilson de Assis is now introducing
„Brazilian Pandeiro“, a book which features the broad and diversified
sound range of this wonderful instrument.
This method book aims at all levels of students, from beginners to
pros. The author presents traditional pandeiro rhythms, rhythms that
were originally not played on the pandeiro but have especially been
adapted to this instrument, modern rhythms, odd rhythms as well as
short compositions for pandeiro, triangle, agogo and tamborim. Due to
the fact that the human voice and the pandeiro are closely coupled with
each other in Brazilian music, an entire chapter of this book has
especially been dedicated to the combined use of pandeiro and vocals –
something that will prove to be very helpful and important for the
development of each percussionist’s coordination and independence.
Each chapter includes a list of selected pieces of music (specifying
performer(s) and available recordings) out of the huge repertoire of
the Musica Popular Brasileira (MPB) to further illustrate and explain
the examples and their variations presented in the book. The rhythms
and variations on the accompanying DVD are performed slowly but also at
their customary tempo. Gilson de Assis brings in many years of
experience working with his favourite instrument, the pandeiro, and
wishes to help all those interested gain an easier access to this
fascinating instrument. Enjoy your pandeiro studies!