Search results
Learn about the 5 traditional Filipino musical instruments used in Rondalla ensembles, including the bandurria, laúd, octavina, guitarra, and bajo de uñas.
The rondalla is an ensemble of stringed instruments played with the plectrum or pick and generally known as plectrum instruments. It originated in Medieval Spain, especially in the ancient Crown of Aragon: Catalonia, [1] Aragon, Murcia, and Valencia. The tradition was later taken to Spanish America and the Philippines.
4. Bajo de unas It is the largest instrument of the rondalla. This stringed instrument has only 4 thick strings, but there are rare bass instruments that have 6 strings. It plays the bass part of the musical piece. The notes of the strings are E A D G or Mi, La, Re, Sol. Aside from the brass band, the rondalla became popular in fiestas and
The bajo de arco is a type of bass instrument commonly used in traditional Filipino ensembles, particularly in rondalla music. It is a string instrument performed with a bow, similar to a double bass, and provides the deep, resonant bass tones that support the melody and harmony.
In a standard Filipino rondalla, one would typically find the instruments bandurria, laud, octavina, guitarra, and bajo de uñas, or double bass. These instruments possess similarities in structure and are played with a plectrum made out of turtle shell.
The Filipino Rondalla has a wide repertoire ranging from the simple folk songs to the modern and contemporary tunes as well as Filipino and foreign classics. The most commonly played are folk tunes like the balitaw, kundiman, balse, danza, marches and lullabies.
The double bass, also called bass VIOL or contrabass, is four-stringed, the largest instrument of the rondalla, shaped like the violin with two f sound holes, provides the fundamental tone, and reinforces the rhythm.
