9.1 Filipino Traditional Music and Instruments

Filipino traditional music is a vibrant tapestry of sounds and styles. It's shaped by indigenous cultures, foreign influences, and the country's diverse landscapes. From gongs to bamboo flutes, these instruments tell stories of Filipino heritage.

Traditional music plays a crucial role in Filipino life. It accompanies rituals, preserves cultural identity, and even serves as a form of protest. The genres range from romantic harana to powerful kumintang war dances, reflecting the nation's rich history.

Filipino Musical Instruments

Categorization by Sound Production

Top images from around the web for Categorization by Sound Production

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Set 001 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Ensemble 002 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Gandingan 1 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Set 001 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Ensemble 002 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Categorization by Sound Production

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Set 001 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Ensemble 002 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Gandingan 1 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Set 001 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  philipdominguezmercurio: Kulintang Ensemble 002 View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Traditional Filipino musical instruments are categorized into four main groups based on their method of sound production: idiophones (self-sounding), membranophones (drum-like), chordophones (string), and aerophones (wind)
• Idiophones produce sound through the vibration of the instrument itself, including instruments such as the gangsa (flat gongs), kulintang (a row of small, horizontally-laid gongs), agung (a suspended gong), and bamboo xylophones like the gambang
• Membranophones generate sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane, encompassing various types of drums, such as the dabakan (a single-headed drum), dadabuan (a snare drum made from bamboo), and the tambor (a double-headed drum)
• Chordophones create sound through the vibration of strings, featuring instruments like the kudyapi (a two-stringed lute), gitgit (a bamboo zither), and the kutiyapi (a boat-shaped lute with multiple strings)
• Aerophones produce sound through the vibration of air, including wind instruments such as the tongali (a bamboo nose flute), palendag (a bamboo mouth flute), and the lantuy (a lip-valley flute made from rice stalk)

Indigenous Materials and Craftsmanship

• Many traditional Filipino instruments are crafted from indigenous materials like bamboo, wood, and metal, reflecting the country's natural resources and the ingenuity of local artisans
• Bamboo is a versatile material widely used in the construction of idiophones (bamboo xylophones), aerophones (flutes), and even membranophones (bamboo drums), showcasing the importance of this renewable resource in Filipino musical traditions
• Hardwoods, such as narra and kamagong, are used to create the bodies of string instruments like the kudyapi and kutiyapi, demonstrating the skillful woodworking techniques of Filipino luthiers
• Metalworking traditions are evident in the production of idiophones such as gongs (gangsa, kulintang, agung), which are made from bronze or brass and often intricately decorated with traditional designs and symbols
• The use of indigenous materials and the application of traditional craftsmanship techniques in instrument-making contribute to the distinct tonal qualities and visual aesthetics of Filipino musical instruments, reflecting the deep connection between music, culture, and the natural environment

Genres of Filipino Traditional Music

Vocal Music Genres

• Harana is a form of traditional Filipino courtship music, typically performed by a male suitor singing beneath the window of his beloved, accompanied by a guitar or a small ensemble, expressing romantic devotion and admiration
• Kundiman is a genre of traditional Filipino love songs, characterized by its slow, melodic, and often melancholic style, conveying heartfelt emotions and romantic sentiments through poetic lyrics and expressive vocal delivery
• Balitaw is a type of narrative folk song originating from the Visayas region, often accompanied by a guitar and featuring lyrics that tell stories of love, life, and social issues, serving as a means of oral storytelling and social commentary

Instrumental and Dance Music Genres

• Kumintang is a war dance music from the Batangas province, performed with percussion instruments like the tambor and played during festivals and special occasions, characterized by its lively rhythms and powerful beats
• Tagonggo is a genre of traditional music from the Maranao people of Mindanao, featuring the use of the kulintang ensemble (a set of small, horizontally-laid gongs) and accompanied by dance and chanting, often performed during weddings and other festive events
• Tinikling is a popular Filipino folk dance and music style that involves dancers skillfully maneuvering between moving bamboo poles, accompanied by rondalla music (an ensemble of string instruments), showcasing agility, coordination, and grace
• Singkil is a Maranao dance and music genre that re-enacts the epic legend of Princess Gandingan, featuring intricate footwork, colorful costumes, and the use of bamboo poles, accompanied by the kulintang ensemble and agung (suspended gongs)

Cultural Significance of Filipino Music

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

• Traditional music in the Philippines serves as a vital means of preserving and transmitting cultural heritage, values, and identity across generations, ensuring the continuity of indigenous knowledge and artistic expressions
• Many traditional musical genres and styles are deeply rooted in the country's pre-colonial history, reflecting the diverse indigenous cultures and their unique worldviews, beliefs, and practices, which are embedded in the music and lyrics
• The oral transmission of musical traditions, such as the chanting of epics by the Maranao people of Mindanao, helps maintain the community's collective memory and cultural identity, passing down important stories, legends, and moral lessons from one generation to the next

Accompaniment to Cultural Practices and Rituals

• Traditional music often accompanies important cultural practices, rituals, and ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, harvest celebrations, and religious festivals, highlighting its integral role in Filipino society and its deep connection to the cycle of life and the spiritual world
• During weddings, music genres like the tagonggo (Maranao) and the pangalay (Tausug) are performed to celebrate the union of two families, invoke blessings, and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the community
• In agricultural communities, harvest festivals are often accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, such as the maglalatik (coconut shell dance) and the subli (a religious dance from Batangas), expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest and honoring the spirits of the land
• Religious festivals, like the Ati-Atihan (Aklan) and the Sinulog (Cebu), feature vibrant musical performances and street dancing that pay homage to Santo Niño (the Holy Child Jesus), blending indigenous and Christian elements in a colorful display of faith and cultural identity

Music as Resistance and Protest

• The use of traditional music as a form of resistance and protest against colonial oppression and social injustice is evident in various historical contexts, such as the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule and the People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos dictatorship
• During the Philippine Revolution, patriotic songs like "Jocelynang Baliwag" and "Bayan Ko" were used to rally the people, express nationalist sentiments, and boost the morale of the revolutionary forces, demonstrating the power of music in mobilizing communities and inspiring change
• In the context of the People Power Revolution, the song "Bayan Ko" re-emerged as an anthem of resistance, sung by the masses during protests and rallies, symbolizing the collective desire for freedom, democracy, and social justice
• Contemporary Filipino musicians continue to use their art as a platform for social commentary and activism, addressing issues such as poverty, corruption, human rights, and environmental conservation, carrying forward the legacy of music as a tool for resistance and change

Influences on Filipino Traditional Music

Indigenous Musical Elements

• Indigenous musical elements, such as the use of pentatonic scales (five-note scales), the prevalence of percussion instruments, and the incorporation of nature sounds (bird calls, animal sounds), form the foundation of many traditional Filipino musical genres, reflecting the deep connection between music and the natural environment
• The use of pentatonic scales in genres like the kumintang (Batangas) and the tagonggo (Maranao) creates a distinct tonal quality that sets Filipino traditional music apart from Western musical traditions, which typically use heptatonic scales (seven-note scales)
• The prominence of percussion instruments, such as gongs (gangsa, kulintang, agung), drums (dabakan, dadabuan, tambor), and bamboo idiophones (gambang, bangibang), highlights the importance of rhythm and beat in Filipino musical traditions, often serving as the driving force behind dance and ritual performances
• The incorporation of nature sounds, like bird calls and animal sounds, in musical compositions and performances reflects the animistic beliefs of many indigenous Filipino cultures, which view the natural world as imbued with spirits and sacred powers, and seek to harmonize with these elements through music

Influence of Foreign Cultures

• Filipino traditional music has been shaped by the influences of various foreign cultures that have interacted with the Philippines throughout its history, resulting in a rich tapestry of musical styles, instruments, and techniques that reflect the country's complex cultural heritage
• The ancient maritime trade between the Philippines and neighboring Asian countries like China, Indonesia, and Malaysia led to the exchange of musical instruments (e.g., kulintang, angklung), scales (e.g., pentatonic), and performance practices, enriching the country's musical landscape and fostering cross-cultural connections
• The Spanish colonial period (1565-1898) had a profound impact on Filipino music, introducing Western musical concepts (e.g., harmony, counterpoint), instruments (e.g., guitar, piano, violin), and styles (e.g., harana, kundiman), which were adapted and incorporated into traditional music, giving birth to new hybrid genres that blended indigenous and European elements
• The influence of Spanish religious music, particularly Catholic hymns and liturgical music, can be observed in the development of Filipino devotional songs and the use of Western harmonies in traditional compositions, reflecting the complex interplay between music, religion, and colonialism
• American colonial rule (1898-1946) exposed Filipinos to various forms of American popular music, such as jazz, blues, and rock and roll, which were assimilated and fused with traditional musical elements to create new hybrid genres, like the bodabil (vaudeville) and the Manila Sound (a fusion of Filipino folk and American pop), showcasing the adaptability and creativity of Filipino musicians in the face of cultural change
• The Islamic musical traditions of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, characterized by the use of the kulintang ensemble, the influence of Arabic and Malay musical elements (e.g., melismatic singing, microtonal ornamentations), and the prominence of vocal music in religious and social contexts, reflect the region's historical ties with the wider Islamic world and its distinct cultural identity within the Philippines

Contemporary Developments and Global Influences

• Contemporary Filipino traditional music continues to evolve and incorporate elements from diverse global musical traditions, while maintaining its distinct cultural identity and heritage, demonstrating the dynamic and ever-changing nature of musical traditions in the face of globalization and modernization
• The rise of world music festivals, cultural exchanges, and international collaborations has provided opportunities for Filipino musicians to showcase their traditional music on the global stage, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, appreciation, and inspiration
• The influence of popular music genres from around the world, such as hip-hop, reggae, and electronic dance music, has led to the emergence of new fusion styles that blend traditional Filipino music with contemporary sounds and production techniques, attracting younger audiences and ensuring the relevance of traditional music in the modern era
• The growing interest in cultural preservation and revitalization efforts, supported by government initiatives, academic institutions, and community organizations, has contributed to the documentation, transmission, and promotion of traditional Filipino music, safeguarding its legacy for future generations
• The increasing use of digital technologies and social media platforms has enabled Filipino traditional musicians to reach wider audiences, share their music, and connect with fellow artists and enthusiasts from around the world, fostering a global community of appreciation and support for the country's rich musical heritage