[Listening extract, audio available. See printed QP for questions.] You hear a calypso performance from Trinidad and Tobago. Describe five musical features ...

This question tests your knowledge of the musical characteristics of calypso, a style originating from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.

Five features (any five for [5]):

1. Lively tempo: Calypso typically has an upbeat, energetic tempo that encourages dancing and movement. [1]
2. Syncopated rhythms: The music features prominent syncopation, with accents falling on off-beats or between the main beats, giving the rhythm its characteristic bounce and drive. [1]
3. Steel pans: Steel pans (steel drums, invented in Trinidad) provide tuned percussion melody or accompaniment, producing the bright, metallic sound closely associated with Caribbean music. [1]
4. Socially aware lyrics: The vocal melody often carries lyrics that comment on social or political topics, using humour, satire, or storytelling to address current events and community issues. [1]
5. Verse-chorus structure: Calypso songs typically follow a clear verse-chorus form, with verses telling the story and a repeated, memorable chorus. [1]
6. Percussion accompaniment: Prominent percussion instruments such as shakers, congas, or bongos provide rhythmic accompaniment, adding to the layered rhythmic texture. [1]
7. Homophonic texture: The texture is predominantly homophonic, with a clear melody supported by rhythmic and chordal accompaniment beneath it. [1]
8. Major tonality: Calypso generally uses major keys, giving the music a bright, cheerful, and energetic character. [1]
9. Call and response: There is often call and response between a solo singer and backing vocals or a chorus, a feature rooted in African musical traditions. [1]
10. Guitar or ukulele strumming: A guitar or ukulele provides rhythmic strumming patterns that support the harmonic framework. [1]