Music Of Indonesia 4: Music Of Nias & North Sumatra

Music Of Indonesia (Smithsonian Folkways Series) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 14, 1993)
• Original Release Date: June 24, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DL0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,756 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #54 in Music > World Music > Far East & Asia > Indonesia > General

Editorial Reviews

The Toba and Karo from North Sumatra developed complex instrumental traditions. The Toba, one of the few societies to use tuned drums to carry a melody, combine them with gongs and oboe-like instruments, creating dynamic melodies and rhythms. The Karo ensemble features expert drumming full of snaps and pops. The Ono Niha people from the island of Nias perform ornate choral songs called hoho, which use only four tones and embody their oral tradition. Unknown outside of Indonesia, these 1990 digital recordings include extensive notes. 72 minutes. "Its variety—in sound, feel, and purpose—is astonishing and inspiring." - Rhythm Music

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strange chants and Lively instrumentals, November 13, 2000

By 

Jeff Abell (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Music Of Indonesia 4: Music Of Nias & North Sumatra (Audio CD)

The Smithsonian-Folkways series of Music of Indonesia has some remarkable treats in its 20 CDs. Vol. 4 from Sumatra is one of the best in the series. Nias, a small island just west of Sumatra, is represented by some dark-toned choral works. These won't remind you of much else you've heard before, but they become compelling with repeated hearing. The selections from batak country in North Sumatra are an absolute treat. The North Sumatran Batak are a loud and lively people, who gave up their wild (cannibalistic) pasts in favor of Christian belief, but their love of music and dance continues. While these pieces, with their high-pitched oboe-like solos over tuned drums may be quirky at first, you'll soon find their rhythmic vitality infectious. This is world music at its best: no "fusions" with electric guitars, but still easy to relate to and enjoy.