Sources, sounds and meanings of turali(noseflute) music in dusunic cultures of Sabah. Malaysian Music Journal, 6 (2). pp. 1-28. ISSN 0128-2158 (2017)
Abstract
Theturalinoseflute (also known as turahiamong some of the Kadazan Dusun of Tambunan) is traditionally played solo as a form of personal entertainment and expression among most of the indigenous Dusunic societies of Sabah, the east Malaysian state of Northern Borneo. This instrument has the same basic structure and performance technique in all Dusunic communities where it is played, but can vary in length. In most cases, as among the Lotud Dusun and some of the Kadazan Dusun, its music expresses happiness and imitates the melodies of traditional songs. Among the Rungus, it can also be played by a novice priestess (bobolizan) to help her memorise the melodies of ritual chants (rinait) when practising alone outside of the ritual context. Its soft sound is also considered soothing when played at night in the longhouse. For the Kadazan Dusun in the central part of Tambunan District, however, turalimusic expresses melancholy and usually copies patterns in the stylised crying of female mourners during a wake. It is not played during mourning, but months or years later to express sorrow for a deceased relative. Drawing upon more than thirty-five years of research by the author, this article compares and contrasts different examples of turalimusic, discussing the sources, sounds and meanings of the music, and showing the transformation of vocal motifs and emotive patternsinto melodies played with the instrument. These motifs and patternsmay vary and transform over time, based on the personal artistryof the turali player whose cultural aesthetics are shaped by her or his individual improvisatory skills yet rooted in the tradition
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Aerophones, Dusunic cultures, Flute, Turalinoseflute, Sabah, Transformation |
| Taxonomy: | By Subject > Music > Musical Compositions By Subject > Music > Musical Instruments |
| Local Content Hub: | Subjects > Music |
| Depositing User: | Eza Eliana Abdul Wahid |
| Date Deposited: | 14 Jan 2021 06:21 |
| Last Modified: | 14 Jan 2021 06:21 |
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