The Berimbau

The Brazilian berimbau a musical bow is most commonly associated with the energetic martial art/dance/game of capoeira. This study explores the berimbau's stature from the 1950s to the present in diverse musical genres including bossa nova samba-reggae MPB (Popular Brazilian Music) electronic dance music Brazilian art music and more. Berimbau music spans oral and recorded historical traditions connects Latin America to Africa juxtaposes the sacred and profane and unites nationally constructed notions of Brazilian identity across seemingly impenetrable barriers.The Berimbau: Soul of Brazilian Music is the first work that considers the berimbau beyond the context of capoeira and explores the bow's emergence as a national symbol. Throughout this book engages and analyzes intersections of musical traditions in the Black Atlantic North American popular music and the rise of global jazz. This book is an accessible introduction to Brazilian music for musicians Latin American scholars capoeira practitioners and other people who are interested in Brazil's music and culture.Eric A. Galm is an assistant professor of music at Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut. He is the recipient of a Fulbright Grant for Research in Brazil.224 pages (approx.) 6 x 9 inches 25 b&w illustrations bibliography discography glossary appendix index