International Music Resources by Country: Malaysia

Citation (1)

Language: Malay, English

Religion: Islam

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Head Of Government: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Malaysia is separated into 13 states and 3 federal territories. The climate is tropical. Peninsular Malaysia is divided into east and west by the Titiwangsa Mountains.

Citation (2)

Rebana Drum with metal detailing      Gedombak- Usually played across the musician’s lap

“Types of indigenous Malay music are many and varied and reflect the character of the various regions on the Malay peninsula from which they come. The northern states of Kelantan, Kedah and Trengganu maintain rich musical, dance and theatrical traditions, while the southern states and particularly those on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia show a strong bias towards Western European performing arts. Traditional music consists of folk, classical (or court) and syncretic types. Much of the traditional music is associated with drama and dance, and there is also a largely undocumented tradition of vocal music.”

Citation (3)

Ronggeng is a social dance that combines four-line sung verses with a violin, gong, accordion, or rebana. It is featured in Malaysian dance halls and is commonly performed for weddings. Each variation of the dance is categorized by rhythmic patterns. 

Citation (4)