Sound of Aceh's flute drowned out by new tunes
Sound of Aceh's flute drowned out by new tunes
By Ampelsa and Azhari
BANDA ACEH (Antara): During the heyday of Aceh's Sultan
Iskandar Muda in the 17th century, palace officials were
serenaded by seurune kalee, a popular flute-like musical
instrument.
It was customarily played at important events, including
wedding ceremonies and the welcoming of dignitaries, during the
sultan's reign from 1607-1636.
"During Sultan Iskandar Muda's era, the traditional music was
played to begin rituals for the nobility in the presence of
dignitaries and royal guests," said Abdul Djalil, a member of the
Foundation for Acehnese Customs and Culture.
But changing musical tastes have ushered in a new era. The
traditional instrumental music has seemingly lost its allure as
both players and makers claim the younger generation prefers
contemporary tunes. Its sounds are seldom heard anymore except
when played by the elderly at special occasions.
Acehnese lament that their traditional music has been drowned
out by modern culture, while the younger generation shies away
from promoting traditional music.
The downward spiral began in the 1980s when the music was no
longer played at important traditional ceremonies.
The instrument, made of wood, does not look out of the
ordinary. But when played in harmony with other rhythmic
instruments, it can spellbind audiences.
It is usually played by an ensemble of three to six people,
accompanied by drums and dance.
It was also a source for raising the spirit and pride of
warriors during conflict.
It was played after a harvest season or during the traditional
marine festival (kenduri laut) held by fishermen. During those
times, the sultan, important officials and villagers would join
together in listening to the music and thanking the Lord for
their harvest.
For ordinary people, the music was usually enjoyed in open
fields during festivities and rituals.
Selected wood
To make the instrument, a type of hard Kapula Jawa wood is
rounded and shaped with a diameter of 0.5 cm at its mouthpiece
and 8 cm at the other end. Seven finger-holes are made along its
length of 50 cm to 60 cm.
To make playing easier for players, a brass plate is added to
the blowing tip.
According to seurune kalee maker and player Abdullah, 67, it
takes about four months to finish one.
"To work on a seurune kalee, one should be skillful, diligent
and patient, or the instrument will not produce a sweet sound,"
he said.
The father of seven children has worked in the music business
for 50 years. He believes the music could be saved for future
generations to hear if it was fused with contemporary styles to
create a unique musical hybrid.