MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
RONDALLA
BANDURIA
Similar to the role of a clarinet, trumpet or violin in an
orchestra. It has six strings with groups of threes and twos,
the highest of which is tuned to G (sol), second is D (re), and the
third is A (la). These have three strings each. The next is E (mi)
and B (ti) have two strings each and the last one F (fa) has only
one because of its thick strings.
LAUD
The instrument plays the contrapuntal part and takes
the viola , cello, bassoon, andtrombone part if it were in an orchestra. It
shaped like the banduria with long neck. It is tuned an octave lower than
the banduria.
PICCOLO
Similar to the banduria but much smaller. It is tuned an octave higher than the
banduria and plays ornamental passages like turns and trills. It is similar to the
coloratura soprano in a choir.
OCTAVINA
This instrument plays the tenor part. It is shaped like a guitar with a
small hole in the middle. It plays the harmony in the composition and
tuned like the laud.
GUITAR
This instrument plays the harmony in the composition and gives the
permanent accompaniment to the group. It usually plays chords and arpeggio.
The guitar is tuned to mi, la, re, sol, ti, mi.
HARP
Is one of the most ancient of musical instruments. It has over forty strings, each of
which can be altered by foot pedals to play thru tones: the pitch of the open string, the
pitch one-half step higher, and the pitch a whole step higher.
BAJO DE UNAS
Plays the bass part in a rondalla. It gives a full sound to the group. It is tuned like
the bass in an orchestra.