While the music in other boat lute traditions, such as Maguindanaon, Tboli, Blaan, Matigsalug Manobo, etc., is very melodic, the music on the Subanen kutapi consists basically of rhythmic patterns that include very short melodic motifs. So I would say that the music of the Kutapi is basically focused on dance rhythms. And as you can see in the video, the kutapi mainly accompanies dancing. This combination of kutapi and dance is, of course, traditional. Both kutapi music and dance follow traditional patterns that are repeated in permutations, so that improvisation is included to some degree.
Thank you for explaining that. I’ve wondered about this for a number of ethnic instruments, but haven’t been able to find a clear answer. eg: cifteli from Albania. Thanks again, much appreciated.
![ละลาย (LALALYE) - DAOU PITTAYA ต้าห์อู๋ พิทยา [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wo6r9TgausI/mqdefault.jpg)
Question: Is this instrument used to play traditional tunes that are recognised locally? Or is it used solely for improvisation?
While the music in other boat lute traditions, such as Maguindanaon, Tboli, Blaan, Matigsalug Manobo, etc., is very melodic, the music on the Subanen kutapi consists basically of rhythmic patterns that include very short melodic motifs. So I would say that the music of the Kutapi is basically focused on dance rhythms. And as you can see in the video, the kutapi mainly accompanies dancing. This combination of kutapi and dance is, of course, traditional. Both kutapi music and dance follow traditional patterns that are repeated in permutations, so that improvisation is included to some degree.
Thank you for explaining that.
I’ve wondered about this for a number of ethnic instruments, but haven’t been able to find a clear answer. eg: cifteli from Albania.
Thanks again, much appreciated.