Definition of Oom-pah
Oom-pah, Oompah, Ooumpah or Umpapa is an onomatopoeic term describing the rhythmic sound of a deep brass instrument in combination with the response of other instruments or registers in a band, a form of background ostinato.
The 'oom-pah' sound consists of multiple instruments (or one polyphonic instrument, such as the piano or the accordion) alternating between a bass sound and off-beats in higher registers. The 'oom' of the oom-pah sound is usually made by a bass instrument (most commonly the tuba). The pah is played on the off-beats by higher-pitched instruments such as the clarinet, accordion or trombone. Oompah is often associated with Volkstümliche Musik, a form of popular German music, and with polka. In triple time genres such as the waltz it is oom-pah-pah.
The musical Oliver! contains a song named "Oom-Pah-Pah", which is named after the oom-pah.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Oom-pah?
Oom-pah, Oompah, Ooumpah or Umpapa is an onomatopoeic term describing the rhythmic sound of a deep brass instrument in combination with the response of other instruments or registers in a band, a form of background ostinato.