Malay Music in Malaysia - a Brief Study of the Changes of the 20th Century
Malay Music in Malaysia:
A Brief Study of the Changes in the 20th Century
Malays – Tradition, Conflict and Change
Done By:
Melanie Ng
Rachel Chew
Word Count: 2094 words
Introduction The 20th century saw Malaysia undergoing numerous political, social and economical changes, all of which were reflected in the cultural changes that also took place during this time. In particular, Malay music in Malaysia, due to a myriad of factors and influences, experienced significant transformation to become Malay music, as we know it today. As such, this paper seeks to explore the changes observed in Malay music in the context of Malaysia over the 20th century, and provide an analysis of the factors which have contributed to these changes. In our study of the subject, two broad questions provide the framework for research: what are the changes that have been observed; and what are the factors, both local and external, that have contributed to the changes?
Method of Gathering Information Research was largely based on articles, journals and books that provided a description of the observed trends in Malay music, and the socio-political situation of the given context. Description of Subject and Findings Based on our research, several major changes were observed, namely the blending of cultures in Malay music, the Westernisation of traditional Malay music, and the emergence of modern Malay pop music. Upon analysis of our research findings, we observed one overarching general trend in the changes to Malay music in Malaysia, being the growth in diversity of Malay music. Diversity is observed in terms of variety of genre, the messages transmitted through the music and the instruments utilized in the production of the music. Blending of Cultures Within Genres of Malay Music It is apparent that present day forms of Malay music contain traces of elements belonging to other cultures and groups, a clear difference from the traditional Malay
A Brief Study of the Changes in the 20th Century
Malays – Tradition, Conflict and Change
Done By:
Melanie Ng
Rachel Chew
Word Count: 2094 words
Introduction The 20th century saw Malaysia undergoing numerous political, social and economical changes, all of which were reflected in the cultural changes that also took place during this time. In particular, Malay music in Malaysia, due to a myriad of factors and influences, experienced significant transformation to become Malay music, as we know it today. As such, this paper seeks to explore the changes observed in Malay music in the context of Malaysia over the 20th century, and provide an analysis of the factors which have contributed to these changes. In our study of the subject, two broad questions provide the framework for research: what are the changes that have been observed; and what are the factors, both local and external, that have contributed to the changes?
Method of Gathering Information Research was largely based on articles, journals and books that provided a description of the observed trends in Malay music, and the socio-political situation of the given context. Description of Subject and Findings Based on our research, several major changes were observed, namely the blending of cultures in Malay music, the Westernisation of traditional Malay music, and the emergence of modern Malay pop music. Upon analysis of our research findings, we observed one overarching general trend in the changes to Malay music in Malaysia, being the growth in diversity of Malay music. Diversity is observed in terms of variety of genre, the messages transmitted through the music and the instruments utilized in the production of the music. Blending of Cultures Within Genres of Malay Music It is apparent that present day forms of Malay music contain traces of elements belonging to other cultures and groups, a clear difference from the traditional Malay
Bibliography: Tan S. B. & Matusky, P. A. (2004) The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk and Syncretic Traditions. Ashgate Publishing. Lockard, C. A. (1998) Dance of Life: Popular Music and Politics in Southeast Asia. University of Hawaii Press. Chelliah, J. (1988) Towards an Identity in Music. New Straits Times. Dec 12, 1988; Aug 31 & Dec 14, 1989. Jayatilaka, B. (1976) “Developing trends in Malaysian music.” Challenges In Music Education. Matusky, P. (1985) "An Introduction the the Major Instruments and Forms of Traditional Malay Music." Asian Music. XVI(2): 121-182. [ 2 ]. Lockard, Craig A. Dance of Life: Popular Music and Politics in Southeast Asia. (University of Hawaii Press, 1998) 226 [ 3 ] [ 4 ]. Tan Sooi Beng and Matusky, Patrica Ann, The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk and Syncretic Traditions (Ashgate Publishing, 2004) 404.