The following rhythms are included in the guidebook, and are used as a starting point in the ensembles led by Joshua Levin and Deborah Nervig. Other NWR ensembles may use different rhythms. If you are a middle-eastern dancer or musician, you will recognize many of these rhythms as interpretations of their traditional counterparts.
The rhythms in the following MP3s have been stripped to their bones.
They no longer reflect the flavor of a living groove. They are unornimented, unaccompanied, and lack any of the intricate phrasing that makes these rhythms musically interesting.
In this bare state, they are perfect for learning the basic features of each rhythm, and for practicing the development of orniments, rhythmic phrases, and counterpoint.
The rhythms have been played at a moderate tempo so that all skill levels will be able to engage them. Most of the tracks are four minutes long.
An improvised "weave" of the Middle-Eastern rhythm often referred to as Malfuf. Malfuf is a two beat rhythm that contains an archetypal structure found in music around the world. The accents are divided into microbeat packets of 3-2-3 or 3-3-2. In SWAT notation this is D..T.T.. or D..T..T.
"Weave" is a term used in New World Rhythmatism to describe a series of techniques used to embellish or ornament a rhythm while still maintaining the core structure. The sustained effort to maintain the core identity of the rhythm helps to distinguish it from a solo or taksim.
This weave is developed in three movements. The first movement introduces the core structure and some thematic phrasing, as well as exploring the spaces between the notes. The second two movements elaborate on the theme by introducing new textures that create distinct branches of the core idea.
Drum Solo Bellydance Practice Tracks: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 (Isolated combinations, 2 min/per track, 850kb per). Click on the # to download
License Agreement for This Free Music I’m not rich, but I’m not poor either. I have the great fortune to be able to spend some of my life creatively. It is my highest vision that my creative work will enhance and inspire the lives of others. Limitations: You can copy and listen to this music as much as you like as long as: 1) each song is copied as a whole (You are not licensed to sample parts of any song). 2) authorship remains properly attributed to Joshua S. Levin; 3) If you would like to use some of this music in a for profit venture, you must receive written authorization from me.
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The sound quality of MP3s is reduced for rapid download.
