Classical Music in Sulawesi

Sulawesi is an island in Indonesia, and is actually the 11th largest island in the world. It also has a culture unique to itself, hence music in this region is rather different as well.

There are three types of popular musical instruments used in Sulawesi.

1) The Kolintang

The Kolintang actually looks like a wooden xylophone.













It makes three kinds of sounds: TING (high pitch note), TANG (moderate pitch note) and TONG (low pitch note). (Which also is how the instrument is names, Kolintang)

The instrument is made of local wood placed in a parallel manner. The Kolintang is played by using a special bat, and it is possible to play diatonic or seven-tone series. The instrument is commonly played to welcome guests from different regions or from abroad. 

2) Bamboo Music

The region is also popularly known from its bamboo trumpets (pepato). Old bamboo is taken and made into trumpets and these instruments produce a rather melodious tune.



















There are also other kinds of instruments such as bamboo saxophones (sesuho).


















When an orchestra is made out entirely of bamboo instruments, it is called a bambu melulu music group. 

3) Bia Instruments

Bia instruments are instruments made out of sea shells, and although less popular than other forms, are still used in the island of Sulawesi.

Bia instruments consist of a conch shell and are usually used in holiday celebrations.