Douglas Miller, age 16, of Meridian, Miss., for his question:
WHERE DID CALYPSO MUSIC COME FROM?
Calypso is a type of folk music that comes from the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean Sea. Calypso songs are written in two four or four four time, with a strong beat that is similar to the rhythms of African songs.
Music experts can't agree on the meaning of the word "calypso." Some say that it comes from the African word "Kai so," meaning "bravo," used to praise a good singer. Others say that this isn't so.
The words of a calypso song are actually more important than the music. Cleverness in choosing words and in making up rhymes on the spot marks the champion calypso singer. In many ways, some modern music follows this plan.
The lyrics may express the personal philosophy of the singer or comment on local events and gossip.
Calypso songs with nonsense verses are called "bracket." Songs about serious subjects are known as "ballode."
Early instruments used with calypso music include bamboo pieces and rattles. Actually, almost any instrument may be used to make music. Many calypso singers today use drums, flutes, guitars, saxophones and rattles.
Calypso music originated in the songs of the African slaves who worked in the plantation fields of Trinidad. They were forbidden to talk to each other, and they used calypso to communicate feelings and information.
To fool their masters, the early slaves sang in a French Creole dialect called patois. Most of the overseers could not understand the language.
After. slavery was abolished in 1838, annual calypso singing competitions were held at carnival times. These competitions became very popular and attracted many visitors to Trinidad.
Calypso music has spread throughout the Caribbean area and to other parts of the world. Some of the songs have become standards in many countries. Popular calypso songs with English words include "Banana Boat Song," "Mary Ann" and "Day O."
Champion singers in Trinidad today take such names as "Attila the Hun" and "Richard the Lion Hearted."
Calypso is also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology. Odysseus was shipwrecked on the lonely island where Calypso lived. She promised him that he would never die if he stayed with her.
Seven years later, Zeus sent Hermes to her with an order to let Odysseus go. Calypso followed the order and helped him build a raft.
But soon after Odysseus left the island, Calypso died of grief.
Music experts can't agree on the meaning of the word "calypso." Some say that it comes from the African word "Kai so," meaning "bravo," used to praise a good singer. Others say that this isn't so.
The words of a calypso song are actually more important than the music. Cleverness in choosing words and in making up rhymes on the spot marks the champion calypso singer. In many ways, some modern music follows this plan.
The lyrics may express the personal philosophy of the singer or comment on local events and gossip.
Calypso songs with nonsense verses are called "bracket." Songs about serious subjects are known as "ballode."
Early instruments used with calypso music include bamboo pieces and rattles. Actually, almost any instrument may be used to make music. Many calypso singers today use drums, flutes, guitars, saxophones and rattles.
Calypso music originated in the songs of the African slaves who worked in the plantation fields of Trinidad. They were forbidden to talk to each other, and they used calypso to communicate feelings and information.
To fool their masters, the early slaves sang in a French Creole dialect called patois. Most of the overseers could not understand the language.
After. slavery was abolished in 1838, annual calypso singing competitions were held at carnival times. These competitions became very popular and attracted many visitors to Trinidad.
Calypso music has spread throughout the Caribbean area and to other parts of the world. Some of the songs have become standards in many countries. Popular calypso songs with English words include "Banana Boat Song," "Mary Ann" and "Day O."
Champion singers in Trinidad today take such names as "Attila the Hun" and "Richard the Lion Hearted."
Calypso is also the name of a sea nymph in Greek mythology. Odysseus was shipwrecked on the lonely island where Calypso lived. She promised him that he would never die if he stayed with her.
Seven years later, Zeus sent Hermes to her with an order to let Odysseus go. Calypso followed the order and helped him build a raft.
But soon after Odysseus left the island, Calypso died of grief.