The Conga drum : development, technique, styles, improvisations and the contribution of master drummer Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria
Date
2008
Authors
Pertout, Alex
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Abstract
This thesis aims to document the broad development of the conga drum or tumbadora as it is
known in Spanish, a hand drum of Congolese descent which developed in Cuba. The conga
drum is now one of the most popular rhythmic instruments found in the world today, taking
part in a wide range of musical settings. The research includes a historical perspective, a
detailed analysis of sounds, hand technique, rhythms and improvisations, with particular
reference to the contribution of master drummer Ramon 'Mongo' Santamaria, arguably the
most influential player in the history of the instrument. The thesis also contains a detailed
examination of personal tuning and set‐up preferences, an introduction to the instrumental
sticks known as claves, an analysis of the clave concept, its connection with rhythm and song,
as well as a detailed examination of the rhythmic and improvisational evolution of the conga
drum over the years. The methodology utilised in this thesis includes analysis of musical sound,
oral history gathered directly from cultural bearers, as well as transcription of audio‐visual
material. The essence of the thesis is not only to document the historical development of the
instrument as well as Santamaria’s musical journey, but it also aims to examine new hand
techniques, as well as the wider vocabulary available to the conga drummer, in music making
today.
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