THE RICH HISTORY OF MALAYSIAN MUSIC

AND ITS INSTRUMENTS

• The foundations of Malaysian musical styles and instruments

originate from artistic portrayal of history, love, religion and
beliefs. Performances such as the ‘Nobat’ (a special Royal
Orchestra) or ‘Wayang Kulit’ (performance done by shadow
puppets) are examples of tradition in Malaysian Music. The
specially crafted instruments add interest and mystery to any
performance.
https://youtu.be/KuPf-eM0gp8
GHAZAL

https://youtu.be/YxbcU-SwFUo
https://youtu.be/0fspqeNuNK0
BORIA

https://youtu.be/PxMeFyDlGOk
KOMPANG
THIS POPULAR PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT IS COMMONLY PLAYED AT
WEDDINGS AS AN ENSEMBLE. IT IS PLAYED IN AN INTERLOCKING
RHYTHMIC PATTERN TO ACCOMPANY CHORAL SINGING.
GAMELAN
ORIGINATING FROM THE MAJAPAHIT ERA IN THE 10TH CENTURY ,
THIS SET OF BRASS PERCUSSION IS PERFORMED LIKE AN
ORCHESTRA.
GENDANG
THESE ARE MALAY DRUMS OF VARYING SIZES MADE OUT OF COWHIDES OR TAUT BUFFALO. THERE ARE DIFFERENT DRUMS
FOR THE ROYALS OF MALAYSIA AND COMMON PEOPLE. IN THE PALACE, THE BIGGEST DRUM IS CALLED THE GENDANG NOBAT
AND FOR COMMON FOLK, THE BIGGEST DRUM IS THE REBANG UBI. HEAD ON OVER TO KELANTAN TO FIND THESE DRUMS
SERULING
SERULING IS A SMALL MALAY FLUTE MADE OUT OF BAMBOO. IT’S BEEN MUCH DEBATED AS TO WHETHER
THE SERULING WAS THE FIRST MALAYAN INSTRUMENT AS IT WAS COMMONLY USED AMONG THE
INDIGENOUS TRIBES (EARLIER MALAYS OR PROTO-MALAYS’ WHO INHABIT THE JUNGLES).
SERUNAI
SERUNAI IS A WIND INSTRUMENT MADE OUT OF WOOD AND CONSISTS OF SEVEN HOLES ON THE UPPER PART AND
ONE HOLE AT THE BOTTOM. IT IS OFTEN USED IN TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCES LIKE THE ‘WAYANG KULIT’
PERFORMANCE (SHADOW PLAY), MENORA (IN KELANTAN) OR DURING THE ‘SILAT’ (MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCE).