Structure Analysis of Ma'marakka Musical Form on Pa'pakandian song

Abstract

This study discusses one of the ritual music in Toraja culture. The purpose of this study is to analyze the structure of the musical form ma'marakkaas a song in the death rites of the Toraja people. Of the several types of songs in ma'marakka music, the author will focus on one type of song, namely the pa'pakandian song. Ma'marakka music is known as vocal music or ethnic songs that are full of meaning. The ma'marakka song is accompanied by a wind instrument made of bamboo, the suling lembang. This song was first used by the people of Buntao' sub-district, North Toraja district, then developed into a ritual song which is used by the Toraja people in general at rambu solo' (death rites) ceremonies. The study of ma'marakka singing in pa'pakandian songs will be described descriptively in a qualitative method. The results of this study describe the structure of the ma'marakka music form of the pa'pakandian song and describe some of the uniqueness and beauty of the musical aspects presented by Toraja cultural influences. With this research, it will be an effort to preserve Toraja cultural music as well as add insight as a form of cultural music in Indonesia.