Contribution–Classicizing Popular Songs of P. Ramlee for the Flute and Guitar

This research intends to expand the arrangements for the flute and classical guitar combination of P. Ramlee’s music. “Berkorban Apa Saja” and “Menceceh Bujang Lapok” are chosen as case studies to illustrate the relationship between the instruments.

“Berkorban Apa Saja” (To Sacrifice Everything) is a song expressing the eagerness in surrendering for the sake of love in a slow tempo of rhumba style. In contrast, “Menceceh Bujang Lapok” (Chatter of the Old Bachelor) is in a lively beguine-style. Its humor lies in its text added to a humorous scene depicted in the film, where all three bachelors rode on a single bicycle, singing of their scanty lifestyle.

The new arrangement addresses the following questions: i) what are the specific music elements and methods of the flute and guitar that can be portrayed for the selected song? ii) what are the structures of the new arrangement for the songs? This research thus analyzes the elements of music such as phrasing of the melodies, textures, articulation, themes, techniques, rhythmic patterns, and the connotation of the collaboration of both instruments. It shows how effectively the flute–guitar duo performs P. Ramlee’s music.

Method

This study was carried out by using a practice-led research method. The primary sources were music lead sheets (for the two genres P. Ramlee typically used), taken from a publisher from Singapore, Perkamus. The slow and fast tempo of “Berkorban Apa Saja” and “Menceceh Bujang Lapok” were selected due to their range and suitability for guitar and flute. The framework for the new arrangement utilizes both instruments effectively and suggests the characteristics of pieces and styles that typify such combination.

Discussion

The discussion incorporates a new rhythmic pattern, key, tempo, style, and techniques of playing both instruments, the introduction of new theme or melodies, and the interpretation of the new theme.

The study intends to portray the effectiveness of the flute–guitar duo in performing the works of P. Ramlee. The components of the analysis incorporate the elements of music, such as the phrasing and articulation of the melodies, theme, techniques, rhythmic patterns, and texture, providing the connotation and hence the direction of the music. The sound recording of the arrangement forms the basis of the analysis, as it gives a complete impression of providing a report to the researcher.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the flute and guitar duo is suitable to be arranged exquisitely for the music of P. Ramlee. The characters of flute and guitar enriched the melodies and rhythms for P. Ramlee compositions. It has been demonstrated that this duo fits in to execute genres in “adagio” and “animated” styles in music. This research has widened the knowledge on issues of performing modern music in a classical style. The elements of music by P. Ramlee thus have been explored to complement the instruments in a variety of musical styles.