Transcending the Darbuka

Abstract: Doholla or Darbuka is a traditional Arab percussion instrument with a specific restricted secondary role. My project aims to challenge this role and expand the possibilities and horizons of this instrument by using it as a solo instrument breaking the norms and expectations ruling the instrument. My research focuses on answering the following question: can I present this instrument as a solo or main instrument? I used different methods to experiment with the instrument, including but not limited to, exploring sounds on parts of the instrument’s body that were not used before to create new sounds, or switching the classical loop role of the instrument with a new more varied one. In addition to using techniques that are from different cultures and others that are specific to other percussion instruments in general. As a result, I came to find a wide collection of new sounds that can be used in different contexts, which can be utilized in composing vibrant compositions. I was also able to compose and perform solo compositions with doholla/ darbuka that are written specifically to present the instrument’s richness as well as compositions where doholla had the main changing part while another melodic instrument was providing the background loop role. And finally I managed to prove that this instrument could exist successfully outside its traditionally known boundaries.