Asian Xylophones: Discovering Rare and Uncommon Varieties

Pattala

The Burmese Pattala is a beautiful example of the xylophone-type instruments that can be found throughout Southeast Asia, including the famous gamelan of Indonesia. This instrument is a perfect example of the intricate and decorative nature of the traditional musical arts in Burma.

As a melodic instrument, the Pattala was used to accompany chamber music performances with a small ensemble and vocalist. It was also considered the foundation for learning other instruments such as bowed fiddles, harps, or percussion. The instrument's musicality is determined by its 25-pitched bamboo bars, suspended over a boat-shaped soundbox crafted from hardwoods like teak. The bars are sometimes coated with a mixture of beeswax and lead shavings to enhance the instrument's tone and tuning.
The pattala was widely used in Royal Court music in the pre-colonial time of Myanmar.

 Jal Tarang

The jal tarang is a percussion instrument originating from India, known for its unique and rare style in Indian classical music. The instrument consists of a set of ceramic or metal bowls filled with water, which are played by striking them with small sticks or mallets. The name "jal tarang" translates to "waves in water" and the instrument's sound is similar to the soothing sound of water waves.
With a range of notes that can be adjusted by the amount of water in each bowl, the typical jal tarang set includes 12 to 16 bowls. The instrument is played by striking the bowls in a certain sequence to create melodic patterns, similar to a xylophone. It is considered a key instrument in Hindustani classical music and is typically played solo or as a small ensemble.
The jal tarang has a long history dating back to the 16th century and is said to have originated in the northern region of India. It has been used in classical Indian music and dance performances, as well as in devotional music and Hindu rituals.
Despite its rarity and unique playing style, the jal tarang has recently gained popularity and is now played by musicians and music lovers worldwide. It is considered a valuable addition to any classical Indian music ensemble.

Kulintangan

The kulintangan is a musical instrument that originated in the Philippines and is also found in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. It belongs to the mallet percussion family and is a type of xylophone that features multiple small, horizontally placed gongs made of bronze or brass. These gongs are arranged in a row to produce a range of pitches, and they are played by striking them with mallets. When played in a melodic pattern, the kulintangan produces a distinctive sound characterized by bright, shimmering overtones and rich, resonant bass tones.

Ensembles often play the kulintangan alongside other instruments, such as gongs, drums, flutes, and stringed instruments. In the Philippines, it is an integral part of traditional music, including religious, folk, and entertainment genres. In Indonesia, the instrument is known as the gambang and is frequently featured in gamelan ensembles. Despite regional variations in playing style and naming conventions, the kulintangan remains a popular and significant musical instrument throughout Southeast Asia.

Kolintang

In North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the kolintang (a different instrument) is known as a traditional Minahasan percussion instrument. It consists of wooden blades arranged in a row and mounted on a wooden tub, and is typically played in ensemble music. The instrument is used to accompany traditional ceremonies, dances, singing, and other musical performances. The wooden blades are made from light yet strong local woods, such as Telur, Wenuang, Cempaka, or Waru, while the resonator crates are usually made from hardwoods such as teak or mahogany.
Compared to the xylophone, the kolintang has fewer blades, arranged in a straight line, giving it a more limited range of pitches. The instrument is usually played with two small sticks, and the technique used to strike the blades often involves a rolling motion. The traditional musical styles and cultural contexts for the kolintang and xylophone also differ, with the former being an important part of the musical heritage of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, and the latter being found in many different parts of the world and used as a solo instrument or in larger ensembles.