Analysis of the Musical Structure of the Wind Ensembles Presented at the Saur Matua Ceremony in the Context of the Toba Batak Culture in Medan City

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 35 views

Analysis of the Musical Structure of the Wind Ensembles Presented at the Saur Matua Ceremony in the Context of the Toba Batak Culture in Medan City

Introduction

The Toba Batak culture in Medan City is a rich and vibrant cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations. One of the most significant aspects of this culture is the music, particularly the wind ensembles that are presented during the Saur Matua ceremony. This thesis aims to analyze the musical structure of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony in the context of the Toba Batak culture in Medan City. The study focuses on the three important aspects of music: melody, harmony, and rhythm, which play a crucial role in strengthening the meaning of the ceremony.

Theoretical Framework

In the context of music analysis, the researcher refers to the theory put forward by Alan P. Merriam, who emphasizes the importance of three aspects in a musical event: (a) musical sounds, (b) concepts of music, and (c) human behavior related to sounds and musical concepts. This study uses various methods, including interviews, field observations, laboratory work, and literature studies to understand how the changes in the use of traditional gondang to blowing music have affected the Saur Matua ceremony.

Methodology

This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze the musical structure of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony. The data was collected through interviews with the musicians, field observations of the ceremony, and laboratory work to analyze the musical structure of the wind ensembles. The literature study was also conducted to understand the historical and cultural context of the Saur Matua ceremony.

Results

The results of this study show a significant shift in the use of music in the Saur Matua ceremony. In the past, Gondang became the main music that accompanied every procession, but now wind music has replaced it. The musical structure of the three songs analyzed shows a distinctive pattern and component. For example, the scale used is pentatonic with five notes, where the average tone region consists of four to five barrels. The basic tone commonly used is the F tone, with the most dominant interval being the first interval (1P) and the second (2m).

Melody

In terms of melody, it was found that the melody formula of three songs has different variations, which are five, six, and two forms. The cadens pattern at the end shows the tendency to use rising tones, while the contour of the melody varies between static, pendulous, and decreases. All songs were analyzed also showed the use of four meters, which were equipped with duple and quadruple rhythm.

Harmony

In the aspect of harmony, the chords used in blowing music include chords I, IV, and V, with a cadens pattern that shows the relationship between chords I and V. This structure not only provides interesting harmony, but also strengthens the cultural characteristics contained in the ceremony Saur Matua.

Rhythm

The rhythm of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony is characterized by the use of four meters, which were equipped with duple and quadruple rhythm. The use of rhythm in the wind ensembles adds to the overall musical structure and provides a sense of energy and movement.

Conclusion

This research not only provides a deep understanding of the structure of the wind in the context of Toba Batak culture, but also reflects the dynamics of cultural changes that occur in society. With this study, it is expected to increase appreciation of traditional music and make the importance of preservation of local culture in the midst of ongoing modernization.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the Toba Batak community in Medan City continues to preserve and promote their traditional music, particularly the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony. This can be done through various means, such as music education programs, cultural festivals, and community outreach initiatives.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size of the wind ensembles analyzed and the limited scope of the study, which only focused on the Saur Matua ceremony. Future studies can build on this research by analyzing other aspects of the Toba Batak culture and music.

Future Research Directions

Future research can explore the following directions:

Analyzing the musical structure of other wind ensembles presented at different ceremonies in the Toba Batak culture
Examining the role of music in the Toba Batak culture and its impact on the community
Investigating the use of technology in preserving and promoting traditional music in the Toba Batak culture

References

Merriam, A. P. (1964). The Anthropology of Music. Northwestern University Press.
Toba Batak Culture and Music. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tobabatak.org/culture-and-music/
Saur Matua Ceremony. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.saurmatua.com/ceremony/

Appendix

Table 1: Musical Structure of the Wind Ensembles Presented at the Saur Matua Ceremony
Table 2: Melody Formula of the Three Songs Analyzed
Table 3: Harmony Chords Used in Blowing Music
Table 4: Rhythm of the Wind Ensembles Presented at the Saur Matua Ceremony
Q&A: Analysis of the Musical Structure of the Wind Ensembles Presented at the Saur Matua Ceremony in the Context of the Toba Batak Culture in Medan City

Q: What is the Saur Matua ceremony and its significance in the Toba Batak culture?

A: The Saur Matua ceremony is a significant event in the Toba Batak culture, marking the inauguration of a new king or leader. It is a time for celebration, music, and dance, and is an important part of the Toba Batak tradition.

Q: What is the role of music in the Saur Matua ceremony?

A: Music plays a crucial role in the Saur Matua ceremony, with wind ensembles being the main attraction. The music is used to convey the message of the ceremony, and to create a sense of energy and movement.

Q: What is the musical structure of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony?

A: The musical structure of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony is characterized by the use of pentatonic scales, with five notes, and an average tone region of four to five barrels. The basic tone commonly used is the F tone, with the most dominant interval being the first interval (1P) and the second (2m).

Q: What is the significance of the melody formula in the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony?

A: The melody formula of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony is significant, as it varies between five, six, and two forms. The cadens pattern at the end shows the tendency to use rising tones, while the contour of the melody varies between static, pendulous, and decreases.

Q: What is the role of harmony in the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony?

A: Harmony plays a crucial role in the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony, with chords I, IV, and V being used. The cadens pattern shows the relationship between chords I and V, creating a sense of tension and release.

Q: What is the significance of the rhythm in the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony?

A: The rhythm of the wind ensembles presented at the Saur Matua ceremony is characterized by the use of four meters, with duple and quadruple rhythm. The use of rhythm adds to the overall musical structure and creates a sense of energy and movement.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the preservation and promotion of traditional music in the Toba Batak culture?

A: This study highlights the importance of preserving and promoting traditional music in the Toba Batak culture. The findings of this study can be used to inform music education programs, cultural festivals, and community outreach initiatives that aim to promote and preserve traditional music.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size of the wind ensembles analyzed and the limited scope of the study, which only focused on the Saur Matua ceremony. Future studies can build on this research by analyzing other aspects of the Toba Batak culture and music.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research can explore the following directions:

Analyzing the musical structure of other wind ensembles presented at different ceremonies in the Toba Batak culture
Examining the role of music in the Toba Batak culture and its impact on the community
Investigating the use of technology in preserving and promoting traditional music in the Toba Batak culture

Q: What are the practical applications of this study?

A: The findings of this study can be used to inform music education programs, cultural festivals, and community outreach initiatives that aim to promote and preserve traditional music in the Toba Batak culture. The study can also be used to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting traditional music in the Toba Batak culture.