Malfuf, Wahda and Chiftitelli

For your review, here's the notation for the "home" version of the rhythm malfuf, which has a 3-3-2 structure:

Malfuf 2/4
1...2...
D..T..T. [listen]

According to Maqam World, this is typically played fast, and most commonly for popular and folkloric music. The Arabic word malfuf means "wrapped" or "spun around."  The same structure played half time, over four beats rather than two, is known as wahda. The Arabic word wahda means "one" or "single", and is more common in classical music.

Wahda 4/4

1.2.3.4.
D..T..T. [listen]

 

Now, check this out:

Chiftitelli 8/4

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
D..T..T.D.D.T... [listen]

Notice the first half of this rhythm has a 3-3-2 structure over four beats, like wahda. 

The Greek and Turkish languages have the term ciftitelli, which may variously refer to a particular folk dance, or to belly dance in general, or "dance" in general, or to a improvised melodic solo (taqsim) over a slow pulse (see Wikipedia and Shira's Glossary of Belly Dance Terms). 

Confused? If a dancer with a background in NWR (or the SCA) asks for chiftitelli, it's probably a safe bet to play the above rhythm. If any other dancer asks for it, you might best get clarification before taking the stage, just to avoid unwanted surprises. 

Happy Practicing!

Class # 11 - Jan 17

Malfuf 2/4
1...2...
D..T..T. (home version) [listen here]
D..C..C. (home variation, frame drum)
D.kT.kT. (a common variation) [listen here]
DkkTkkTk (another common variation) [listen here]


You can listen to this "in situ" (and play along). One nice tune is Stellamara's "Kereshme"[listen now: hifi | lofi] (the rhythm starts at around 2:20).

Homework

1. Play malfuf while "stepping" the 2-pulse with your feet (you can do this sitting in a chair). A drum machine or drum sequencer program can really help. 
   
   
2. Select another variation and learn it. Combine it with your first variation, and learn that. Prepare yourself to show others your variation in the flow of play through the call "match me." 
   
   
3. Work on technique. Try some visual approaches to practice to help you.
   

Optional Reading

3+3+2: The World’s Most Famous Rhythm Structure by Jerry Leake

This article demonstrates the prevalence of this rhythmic scheme throughout the world and history.