Middle Eastern Riqq
The riqq is a tambourine with metal cymbals that has a crucial role in Turkish and Arabic classical music.
The name “riqq” is thought to refer to the parchment that is used for the drumhead. The term was first documented by Westerners in Egypt in the 19th century. The instrument itself is expected to have a longer history under various names in the region, such as “tef” in Turkey. Despite its size, it is capable of producing a wide variety of sounds, through skillful manipulation of the drumhead and the cymbals with different finger strikes. It is therefore often played by the leader of the Turkish or Arabic classical music ensemble, giving not only the basic rhythmic pattern, but also driving the momentum of the music with kaleidoscopic ornaments combining different membrane and cymbal sound. The riqq player is also responsible for keeping the singer and the instrumental ensemble in the same rhythm.
The riqq is traditionally made of a wooden frame (preferably lemon tree wood) and animal skin such as fish or calf skin for the membrane, as well as five pairs of brass cymbals. In recent decades, new materials have also been used, such as aluminium for the frame and synthetic skins for the membrane. It is often decorated with mother of pearl and other decorative woods.
