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Among the multitude and the variety of music in South-East Asia, it is convenient to distinguish three large musical areas in the region. That of piphat, of kulintang and of gamelan, three native music. All three know the knobbed gong chime, instrument unique to South-East Asia.
The boundaries of the map's colored areas have a purpose of indication only.
The three traditions have several points in common. Fondamental and numerous points to such an extent that we could consider the three traditions as one.
Gamelan, piphat and kulintang
- Geographical situation : tropical climate and luxuriant vegetation.
- The knobbed gong chimes.
- Music more orchestral than solo, orderly stacking of several rhythmical parts.
- Primacy of melodic percussion in comparison with strings, with winds and with voice.
- Pentatonic music.
- Ancient influence from Java.
It is interesting to note that each of these points are the strongest in one of the three traditions : gamelan.
Kulintang and gamelan have, moreover, common points that are specific to them.
Gamelan and kulintang
- Geographical situation : environment of islands or peninsulas and of seas.
- Importance of vertical gongs.
- Similarities in instrument names from a tradition to the other.
- The players speak austronesian languages in both cases.
Piphat and gamelan have, they too, specific common points.
Gamelan and piphat
- Traditions rooted in great civilizations.
- Presence, in the ensembles, of instruments with bars/blades. More rare in kulintang.
- Important links with drama and literature.
- Knowledge of hexatonic and heptatonic scales.
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