An Exploration of the Malay Kompang
AN EXPLORATION OF THE MALAY KOMPANG
Name: Chan Tsui Sze Dora
Matriculation Number: U1210644K
Seminar Group Time: 1330 – 1530
Seminar Group Instructor: Cikgu Zubir
Assignment: Research Paper in Malay Music
Date: 10 April 2013
Word Count: 2245
Contents
Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Kompang 3 1.1 Features of the Kompang 4 1.2 Features of Kompang Music 4 1.3 Performance Context 6
Chapter 2: Influences on the Malay Kompang 7 2.1 Arabic Influences 7 2.2 Portuguese Influences 9 2.3 Thai Influences 11 2.4 African Influences 12
Chapter 3: Future Changes in the Malay Kompang 14
3.1 Pop and Media Influences 14
3.2 Western Influences 15
Chapter 4: Conclusion 16
Bibliography 17
Discography/ Videography 19
Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Kompang
The Malay Kompang ensemble refers to a Malay drum ensemble that ranges between three performers in a small chamber or accompaniment setting, to a large group of 30 drummers. As an instrument, the Malay Kompang is so familiar to most Singaporeans, yet it encompasses a rich history spanning more than 700 years that would astound and intrigue many.
Kompang is mainly an oral tradition (Abdullah, 2005). Like all other non-notational music forms, it is inevitably highly characterized by change, self-improvisation and influences from other cultures. While Kompang music today is admittedly not so frequently heard nor performed as before, there have been efforts to assimilate this traditional music genre into today’s popular culture.
This paper will address the diverse cultural influences on Malay Kompang from Arabic, Portuguese, Thai and African sources. Through the main musical elements of instrumentation, rhythm, form, and performance context, a comprehensive musical analysis of the influence of the different cultures on Kompang music will be made. This paper will also examine how elements of popular culture can be
Name: Chan Tsui Sze Dora
Matriculation Number: U1210644K
Seminar Group Time: 1330 – 1530
Seminar Group Instructor: Cikgu Zubir
Assignment: Research Paper in Malay Music
Date: 10 April 2013
Word Count: 2245
Contents
Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Kompang 3 1.1 Features of the Kompang 4 1.2 Features of Kompang Music 4 1.3 Performance Context 6
Chapter 2: Influences on the Malay Kompang 7 2.1 Arabic Influences 7 2.2 Portuguese Influences 9 2.3 Thai Influences 11 2.4 African Influences 12
Chapter 3: Future Changes in the Malay Kompang 14
3.1 Pop and Media Influences 14
3.2 Western Influences 15
Chapter 4: Conclusion 16
Bibliography 17
Discography/ Videography 19
Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Kompang
The Malay Kompang ensemble refers to a Malay drum ensemble that ranges between three performers in a small chamber or accompaniment setting, to a large group of 30 drummers. As an instrument, the Malay Kompang is so familiar to most Singaporeans, yet it encompasses a rich history spanning more than 700 years that would astound and intrigue many.
Kompang is mainly an oral tradition (Abdullah, 2005). Like all other non-notational music forms, it is inevitably highly characterized by change, self-improvisation and influences from other cultures. While Kompang music today is admittedly not so frequently heard nor performed as before, there have been efforts to assimilate this traditional music genre into today’s popular culture.
This paper will address the diverse cultural influences on Malay Kompang from Arabic, Portuguese, Thai and African sources. Through the main musical elements of instrumentation, rhythm, form, and performance context, a comprehensive musical analysis of the influence of the different cultures on Kompang music will be made. This paper will also examine how elements of popular culture can be
Bibliography: Abdullah, M. H. (2005). An Organological and Ethnomusicological Study of A Malay Frame Drum. Retrieved from https://theses.ncl.ac.uk/dspace/bitstream/10443/869/1/Abdullah05.pdf Abdullah, M Abdullah, M. H. (2012). The Role of the Kompang in Malay Society. Retrieved from http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/files/21753/10891249663abdullah.pdf/abdullah.pdf Charry, E Matusky, P. (1995). Malaysian Shadow Play and Music: Continuity of an Oral Tradition. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1124116?uid=3738992&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21101877205913 Matusky, P Ross, V. (2011). Challenges faced by performers of cross cultural music. Retrieved from http://www.cmpcp.ac.uk/online%20resource%20Saturday/PSN2011_Ross.pdf Tabor Drum Info from Harms Historical Percussion