TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC USING IN MALAY TRADITIONAL DANCE

In Malaysia, music and dance are almost attached together. It is hard for us to see one without another. Where music is, dance is close by. Despite the influence of this foreign influence by television and video entertainment, traditional music(16) in Malaysia still survive and flourish in a wide variety of forms. It is performed during ceremonial occasions, and as an accompaniment to dance and drama for entertainment.

  1. Gamelan
Ø  Originally it from Indonesia and it is  a traditional orchestra that plays ethereal lilting melodies using an ensemble of gong percussion and stringed instruments.

   2. Nobat
Ø  It is a special royal orchestra that plays more solemn music for the courts and it is consisting of usually four or five members, using the flute, trumpet, gong and drums; and only performed during state ceremonies. The most important use of the nobat is during the coronation of the Sultan, where it is believed that he will not be accepted as the ruler unless the nobat is played.

3. Gambus

Ø  Brought to Malaysia by Persian and Middle Eastern traders, the gambus is played in a variety of styles in Malay folk music, primarily as the lead instrument in Ghazal music. Carefully crafted with combinations of different woods, this instrument produces a gentle tone that is similar to that of the harpsichord. 

4. Rebab

Ø  The rebab is the most important bowed lute and is the main melodic instrument in the mak yong and is used to accompany the wayang kulit.

5. Sape

Ø  The sape is the traditional flute of the Orang Ulu community or upriver people of Sarawak. A woodcarving masterpiece with colourful motifs, the sape is made by hollowing a length of wood. Once played solely during healing ceremonies within longhouses, it gradually became a social instrument of entertainment. Typically, its thematic music is used to accompany dances such as the Ngajat and Datun Julud.