Music of Indonesia, Vol. 4: Music of Nias and North Sumatra: Hoho, Gendang Karo, Gondang Toba

The Toba and Karo from North Sumatra developed complex instrumental traditions. The Toba, one of the few societies to use tuned drums to carry a melody, combine them with gongs and oboe-like instruments, creating dynamic melodies and rhythms. The Karo ensemble features expert drumming full of snaps and pops. The Ono Niha people from the island of Nias perform ornate choral songs called hoho, which use only four tones and embody their oral tradition. Unknown outside of Indonesia, these 1990 digital recordings include extensive notes. 72 minutes. "Its variety—in sound, feel, and purpose—is astonishing and inspiring." — Rhythm Music

The published liner notes, along with corrections and supplementary materials, are available here.

Track Listing

101	Simalungen Rayat	Gendang Lima Sedalanen	06:32
102	Gula Tualah	Gendang Lima Sedalanen	07:57
103	Hoho Sisambua'a Matona	Three choruses led by Rawatan Dachi	03:07
104	Hoho Si Tölu Fanema	Three choruses led by Rawatan Dachi	05:48
105	Hoho Ninawuagö	Three choruses led by Rawatan Dachi	02:56
106	Hoho Si Tölu Nawua - Hoho Maluaya Si'öligö	Chorus led by Saraini Bu'ulölö	07:52
107	Gondang Haro-Haro	Gondang Sabangunan	04:57
108	Gondang Parsahadatan Tu Saluhut Sahala Habonaran (Homage to the power of the local spirit)	Gondang Sabangunan	03:33
109	Gondang Malim	Gondang Sabangunan	05:46
110	Gondang Si Monang-monang	Gondang Sabangunan	03:54
111	Gondang Panogu-nogu Horbo Tu Lahatan	Gondang Sabangunan	03:14
112	Gondand Arang-arang Dairi	Gondang Hasapi	02:54
113	Gondang Si Bunga Jambu	Gondang Hasapi	04:38
114	Gondang Parumbak-umbak Ni Alogo Bolon	Gondang Hasapi	03:06
115	Pinasa Si Dung-dungon	Gondang Hasapi	01:57
116	Si Tapi Tola	Gondang Hasapi	04:50