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Calypso Music

Calypso Music . Learning about the use and special features of calypso. Overview Of The Lesson. You will be taught the use of and special features of a good calypso You will be provided with some examples of calypsoes

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Calypso Music

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  1. Calypso Music Learning about the use and special features of calypso

  2. Overview Of The Lesson • You will be taught the use of and special features of a good calypso • You will be provided with some examples of calypsoes • You will be tested to see how well you can identify the different kinds of calypso

  3. What is Calypso? • Calypso is a form of folk music which developed in Trinidad and other parts of the Caribbean during the 19th century. • Its origin go back to the “griots” of West Africa.

  4. Who were the Griots? • They were professional musicians who made up songs to spread news and local gossip. • During the 18th and 19th centuries many West Africans were brought to the Caribbean to work as slaves on the sugar plantations. • There they used work songs to spread local news and gossip just as the griots had. These songs often criticised and poked fun at their masters.

  5. What is calypso? (cont’d) • Calypso is a form of poetry where metre, rhyme and music are used to capture the attention of the listener. • The poem is carried by the voice and calypsonians use frequent interjections to identify their individual style and to establish rapport (a connection) with the audience.

  6. Calypso cont’d • Calypso was first sung in French Creole called patois • Early calypsoes were sung in minor keys and later major. • The beat was a slow 2-beat or a quick 4-beat pattern • The music was played by wind and string instruments. • After Emancipation, tamboo-bamboo bands were added. • After 2nd World War in 1945, the steelpan was discovered and developed into a musical instrument. • The singers of calypso were called –chantuelles • Topics used were – war, love, politics,society.

  7. Calypso cont’d • It is an oral tradition that has its roots in the middle passage and slavery • As the calypso developed it dealt with topical issues in a humorous but critical way. • During the 1970’s ‘soca’ developed which is a mixture of soul feelings and calypso rhythms • This was a commercially successful type of music • Successful singers include Kitchener, Lord Shorty, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Sparrow, calypso Rose and David Rudder

  8. The Calypsonian • The calypsonian plays a vital role in articulating the true thoughts and feelings of the masses • He is given poetic license which is sometimes stretched to the limit to make words rhyme e.g ‘smoke a warty’ to rhyme with party used by Poser in 1979 in “Ah tell she”

  9. The Different Forms of Calypso • Call and Response • Extempo • Narrative or ballad • Social commentary is

  10. What points must you consider when writing a calypso? • The topic – you must know what you want to sing about. It may be about some particular issue or disaster or something current. It may even be a narrative about a character or an animal

  11. The message • you must make a plan for writing your calypso just as you do for an English composition i.e you must begin with an introduction, followed by the body of the calypso which carries the message. Finally you must end with a conclusion.

  12. The melody • The tune or melody you compose must fit the words • The melody must be easy to catch • It must be original (i.e. new or fresh)

  13. The rhythm • The calypso must maintain a calypso beat • The tempo or speed must match the message – if it is sad or serious, then a slow or moderate tempo is appropriate. A more light-hearted calypso could be fast

  14. Stage Presentation • The way a calypsonian performs his calypso. • He may dramatise, articulate, emphasize, his message by wearing costumes or using props to portray or present a clearer picture of what is being said in the lyrics.

  15. Language • Addwit and Humour • Even though a topic may be serious, a calypsonian may create laughter by his choice of words

  16. What makes a calypso a classic? • Its universal appeal • Its ability to transcend time – i.e it can be played all during the year and from year to year • Its catchy rhythm and message

  17. Time for Review! • Who were the griots and where were they from? • Describe briefly what calypso is. • List 4 features of a good calypso. • Listen to these calypsoes and identify their form.

  18. Extension • For Homework, each group will work together to compose a calypso on the carnival character they have chosen. • Your calypso must have at least 3 verses and a refrain. • All members of the group will perform the calypso for the production. • N.B. TASPO – Trinidad All Steel Percussion Orchestra.

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