If the harp, piano, and guitar into the findings of the most historic and significant in the world of music, then Sasando from Rote Island Nusa Tenggara (East Nusa Tenggara) deserves the award as well.
Traditional musical instruments Rote society that has existed since many years ago and produce a sound combination of three instruments: harp, piano, and guitar. Sasando not just harp, piano, or guitar but three instruments in one rhythm, melody, and bass. So although it is a traditional musical instrument, applies universality Sasando thorough.
Musical instruments were classified cordophone Rote community that is played by picking the strings are made of fine wire. Sasando resonator made of lontar leaf that looks like a water storage container grooved. Irregular arrangement of the notes is not as musical instruments in general but has a notation that irregular and not visible because of bundled resonator.
Sasando played with two hands from the opposite direction, left to right and right to left. The left hand plays the melody and bass work, while the right hand plays accord duty. Sasando in the hands of expert players can become a unique harmony. Because only one instrument, an orchestra can be heard.
Sasando masterpiece like a pent-up maestro and almost extinct. Extraordinary musical instrument that is threatened when the story stayed in the place of origin itself has become something alien. Sasando indeed save the new story. Musical instrument creation of two pastors from Rote Island is now only can be picked up by eight people who became his last generation.
Jacko H.A. Bullan may be one of the last generation heir sasando Rote. The first child of the two brothers were inspired to realize and extend the life sasando survive in order to continue playing in the ears of future generations. According to him, people who could play sasando currently living eight people including himself. Of that number, three of whom have over 30 years. And in East Nusa Tenggara itself is now nothing that can play sasando.Bitter facts on the ground that the old folks are so proud to play a sasando in various ceremonies, complete with tilangga hats, clothing, and traditional dances, most had died. They did not leave a legacy of books or school that could guide the younger generation to be his successor.
In the capital, he opened his home to anyone who wants to learn sasando. However, he returned to face the harsh reality that most students who come completely foreign nationals. Jack says that nearly 90 percent of foreigners from Japan to Australia are starting to become his disciple. He is sorry if some day the people of Indonesia were forced to study abroad just picking sasando.
Meanwhile, Director of Promotion of Foreign Affairs ministry, I Gde Pitana, say, Sasando is one of the maestro's work of art tradition of the potential for "sale" in the international world. "All those who listen to music sasando almost certainly interested," he said. Therefore, it is often invited to participate sasando players in the arena of "consumer selling" to some of the major targets of Indonesian tourism market. "This is also part to preserve sasando from extinction," he said. Thus Jacko H.A. Bullan will never be the last generation who pluck the strings sasando.
If any readers are interested, might be able to follow courses given by Jack. Do not let the cultural heritage of this beautiful and unique to extinct or forgotten by his homeland.
