GCSE Music - Rhythms of the World

Samba
This question is based on Area of Study 3 - Rhythms of the
World. You will hear an extract of music played three times.
1. Name three types of percussion instruments you can hear in the piece
(3).
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2. What is the time signature in this piece? Circle one time signature (1).
2/4

3/8

6/4

12/8

3. How do the musicians know when to change section, start or stop? (2).
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4. Describe the relationship between the whistle and the drums during
the introduction of the piece (1).
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5. Describe the texture of the rest of this piece (1).
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6. Give an example of an occasion where you might hear this type of
music (1).

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7. Where does Samba music come from? (1).
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Extended Writing Question

8. Write a paragraph, using sentences, explaining how the music is
typical of Samba. You can refer to texture, melody, instrumentation,
tempo and rhythm.
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Question 8.

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GCSE Music - Rhythms of the World - ANSWERS

Samba
This question is based on Area of Study 3 - Rhythms of the
World.
Track: Song - Beginning Batucada
Artist: Tocanto Brazilian Music Ensemble
Album: A Musical Journey Throughout Brazil
You will hear an extract of music played three times.
1

Name three types of percussion instruments you can hear in the piece
(3).

Drums, shakers, bells (credit names of individual instruments)

2. What is the time signature in this piece? Circle one time signature (1).
2/4

3/8

6/4

12/8

3. How do the musicians know when to change section, start or stop? (2).
Led by a musician playing the repinique, blowing a whistle, visual cues.
4. Describe the relationship between the whistle and the drums during
the introduction of the piece (1).
Call and response
5. Describe the texture of the rest of this piece (1).
Several layers of percussion, polyrhythmic.
6. Give an example of an occasion where you might hear this type of
music (1).
Carnival, street dance
7. Where does Samba music come from? (1).
Brazil

Extended Writing Question

8. Write a paragraph, using sentences, explaining how the music is
typical of Samba. You can refer to texture, melody, instrumentation,
tempo and rhythm. (9)

A list of features or musical elements will not access more than 4 marks,
prose is required.
Levels of response
7-9 marks: A good range of points are made from the indicative content,
showing a good level of understanding. The response is expressed
clearly, using appropriate terminology with accurate spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
4-6 marks: Several points are made from the indicative content showing
some understanding with supporting links. The response shows some
organisation and structure but may contain some errors of spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
1-3 marks: A limited number of points are made from the indicative
content. The response lacks organisation, structure and accuracy of
spelling, punctuation and grammar.
0 marks: No response or no response worthy of credit.
NR: No response.
Give credit to any other suitable answers as appropriate.
Correct responses:
Use of syncopation
Cross-rhythms
Description of instruments heard
Changes in texture and layering
Explanation of carnival feel and atmosphere - shouting and calling
Use of whistle to signify changes
Call and response
Use of triplet and dotted rhythms