Music of Indonesia, Vol. 19: Music of Maluku: Halmahera, Buru, Kei

Musically, the vast province of Maluku ("the Moluccas") is one of the least known regions of Indonesia. Here we present music from three islands: Halmahera in the north, Buru in the center, and Kei Besar in the south. From Halmahera comes togal, entertainment music played on stringed instruments plus flute, drums, and a singer. From Buru we offer a varied selection: men's songs with drumming, an excerpt from a night-long sung narrative, jew's harp pieces, and a gong ensemble. Aside from two ensembles of flute and percussion, our recordings from Kei Besar are mainly vocal; solos, a duo, and choruses offering advice, recounting history, and asserting territorial boundaries (an important use for songs in Maluku); there is also a rowing song sung by children. Finally we return to Halmahera and present selections from a dabus performance accompanied by singing and frame drums. In dabus, a Muslim ritual derived from Sufi practice, men stab themselves vigorously with iron awls, but the spiritual power of the ritual leader protects them from serious injury. 74 minutes. 32-page booklet with map.
The published liner notes, along with corrections and supplementary materials, are available here.
Track Listing
101
|
Mares | Grup Oma Moy | 4:56 | |
102
|
Lagu Togal | Grup Oma Moy | 7:47 | |
103
|
Kalabae | Engafuka Ensemble | 4:20 | |
104
|
Tuang Kolatu | Nurut Wamese, Mukasayang Nustelu | 4:46 | |
105
|
Tigertama | Res Wamese | 2:21 | |
106
|
Perusi Tajang | Res Wamese | 3:03 | |
107
|
Ranafafan | Gong Ensemble | 3:01 | |
108
|
Marin Uib | Chorus of Children | 1:13 | |
109
|
Wannar | Grup Darussalam | 3:55 | |
110
|
Tiwal Sawat | Tiwal Ensemble | 2:53 | |
111
|
Snehet | Titus Rahaoban | 4:01 | |
112
|
Ngel-ngel | Paulus Rahaoban, Titus Rahaoban | 2:35 | |
113
|
Ngel-ngel | Female Soloist and Chorus | 3:30 | |
114
|
Baiut Ntya Nit | Poli Domakubun | 1:06 | |
115
|
Sosoi | Female Duo and Chorus | 3:36 | |
116
|
Tari Busur Panah | Michael Erubun, Otnen Domakubun | 2:09 | |
117
|
Dzikir Samman: Allahu Allah | Dabus Officiants and Musicians | 7:15 | |
118
|
Qasidah Rifai: Baghdadi | Dabus Officiants and Musicians | 4:45 | |
119
|
Kata Syeh: Baqada Imuhai | Dabus Officiants and Musicians | 7:01 |