APSMER2017 PROCEEDINGS

Proceedings of the 11th Asia-Pacific Symposium for Music Education Research
(APSMER 2017) 19th to 21st July 2017, Melaka MALAYSIA
this dance ranges from a moderate to a fast pace. The Zapin Melayu is an
adaptation of the original Zapin Arab which came through during the trade
times of Malacca, and has gone through adaptations and assimilations of the
two cultures, from both religious and cultural perspectives. (Mohd Anis Md
Nor, 2009, p.36). The Zapin has many variations which originated from
various parts of Malaysia, including:
• Mersing: Zapin Tenglu and Zapin Pulau;
• Muar: Zapin Lenga;
• Johor Bahru: Zapin Pekajang; Zapin Budi (Johor, Pahang,
Selangor)
• Batu Pahat: Zapin Koris;
• Pontian: Zapin Parit Mustar and Zapin Seri Bunian
(Mohd Anis Nor, 2001, p.65-71)
The Zapin dance is considered to be a part of the Malay culture and is
performed mainly for entertainment purposes. According to Mohd Anis Md
Nor (2006, p.35), “Like many other Malay folk and social dance traditions,
Zapin owes its existence to the processes of intercultural and cross-cultural
borrowings through the ages”.
Instrumentation and Musical Characteristics of Zapin
Zapin dance performances are accompanied by a group of instruments,
including gambus, violin, flute, accordion, marwas or rebana, and bass
guitar. Zapin music has a specific form, including an introduction, middle
and final section. The introduction or Taksim is an improvised solo played
mainly by gambus (or accordion, violin or flute). The middle main melodic
section, Kopak, is based on distinct rhythmic patterns played by a few drum
players (marwas or rebana) in an interlocking style. The final section or
coda, named Wainab or Tahtim, uses the Kopak melodic phrase. (Matusky &
Tan, 2004; Mohd Anis Md Nor, 2009). In modern times, the Zapin dance is
performed in different versions with a wide variety of improvisations and
includes accompanying instruments such as the violin, flute, gambus,
accordion (melodic and harmonic lines) and traditional percussion like two
rebana and tambourine (rhythmic pattern).
One of the most famous Zapin pieces is Pantun Budi, which is a
traditional song, made famous by the late Tan Sri S. M. Salim. A‘Pantun’ is
a Malay poetic form based on a theme or subject (tajuk) and ‘Budi’ means
‘good deeds’ (Ho, 2015). For many centuries this dance was performed only
by men, in compliance with religious concepts, but in modern times it also
includes women. The time signature is 4/4 and contains melody, harmony
and a rhythmic accompaniment.
The middle section of this Pantun Budi contains two parts, including
the chorus and verse. These sections are connected with a bridge consisting
of a strong, rhythmic pattern called Kopak (pak kopak kopak kopak). Zapin
is most commonly based on a hexatonic scale and/or a heptatonic scale
pattern. Chye (2016, p.219). This creates an impression that the music is
hovering between modes as well as in a diatonic key”. According to Chye
(p.219), the rhythmic form in Zapin is based on "quaver-two semiquaversquaver-quaver-quaver-quaver
and crotchet". The ornamentations that
embellish the melody and improvisations create an exclusively Malay
character, and are included in the performance to give the melody variety, to
avoid a monotonous outcome.
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