Music (Week 4)

Bulgarian Music

The Bulgarian music is multifaceted and layered into different periods and genres, which makes it extremely diverse. Trying to cover every different genre and its sub-genres would take forever so this is a short description of the most significant styles.

Traditional Folk music

Originating in the 19th century, Bulgarian folk music has successfully captured the time period shortly before and after liberation (1878). The genre can be divided into 7 different regions (Picture 1). Each region has it’s a unique mixture of songs, dances and traditional clothing (Picture 2). The songs are typically performed using traditional musical instruments such as: “gaida”, “kaval”, “gadulka”, “tupan”, “tambura”, “tarabuka” and others (Picture 3). The most notable name in Bulgarian Folk Music is Valya Balkanska.

Pop-Folk (Chalga)

Pop-Folk music, or as it’s more commonly known- “Chalga”, is a mixture of oriental rhythm and the beforementioned traditional Bulgarian folk. The genre is typical for the Balkans and every country has its own twist on it. In Greece it is called “Laïkó”, in Serbia- “Turbofolk” and in Romania- “manele”. The genre has gained popularity in the 90s and songs from that period are called “retro-chalga” nowadays. An artist that has remained popular ever since his debut in the 90s is Azis. He has established himself as an icon of the genre.

Hip-Hop

Another style of music that has remained trendy through the years is Hip-Hop. The genre finds it’s origins in the 80s, but it’s considered as “underground” until the mid-90s when it gains more popularity. Artist like Misho Shamara, SPENS, 100 Kila and Upsurt help the genre grow immensely by creating labels and helping other artists produce. Nowadays the leading names of the genre are Boro Purvi, V:rgo, Itzo Hazarta (former member of Upsurt), FYRE and groups like SkandaU, BNR, Murda Boyz and MBT.

Indonesian Music

Talking about the traditional music of Indonesia can be a bit complicated since every city (or region, or province) has its own traditional song, music instrument, and even genre. However, I will try to produce a brief overview regarding the music in Indonesia, enjoy!

Dangdut

Dangdut is the most popular-local genre in Indonesia. It is a very unique genre that some people say is the combination between melayu and arabic/indian music. The beat from the tabla and gendang (or kendhang) is what makes Dangdut unique and special in a way. The most popular artists of the genre are: Rhoma Irama – who is known as the “King of Dangdut”, Elvy Sukaesih – also known as the “Queen of Dangdut”, Via Vallen – who sang the 2018 Asian Games Official Theme Song, and many more!

*Tabla* or *Ketipung* (Left) & *Gendang* (Right)

Keroncong

Keroncong or Kroncong (English) is an Indonesian musical style that makes the use of the Kroncong, which is a ukulele-like musical instrument. This genre was first introduced by the Portuguese sailors who came to Indonesia (then called Nusantara) in the 16th century. The instruments that are used in this genre include: Cuk (ukulele with nylon strings), Cak (ukulele with metal strings)Guitar, Flute, Violin, Cello, and Contrabass. The use of Gamelan, an Indonesian traditional instrumental ensemble, is also common in Keroncong. The popular Keroncong artists include: Gesang Martohartono, Sundari Soekotjo, and Mus Mulyadi.