Tumpat - The serunai, a traditional Malay wind instrument, has proved that it is able to remain steadfast through the ages, and is still being played by the east coast Malay community.
The flute-like serunai produces sounds through apertures made on its piece and is played to accompany the performances of the wayang kulit, nobat (royal musical ensemble), menora and gendang silat.
Renowned serunai master Isa Samad, 66, said despite being exposed to many modern musical instruments, the younger generation never forget about the serunai.
This is proven when youths still approached Isa and asked him to teach them the art of serunai-playing.
"I have been asked by the Raja Perempuan of Kelantan Tengku Anis Tengku Abdul Hamid to teach those who are interested in playing the serunai, apart from performing at functions held at the royal places," he told Bernama here.
OVERSEAS STINTS
Among Isa`s overseas stints playing the serunai were held in countries like France, Italy, Australia, and Singapore under the Tourism Ministry`s roadshows in the 70s.
Isa said he also received invitations to play at leading hotels nationwide.
He now has five SPM school-leavers under his wings, learning how to play the serunai. Isa who stays in Kampung Kebakat, Wakaf Bharu here, said he learnt making serunai from his uncle some 40 years ago.
Serunai is made from hardwood like kayu nangka, merbau and dan cengal. its patterned into a cone with a bell-shaped bottom.
"The serunai usually has seven holes in the middle of its back portion and this wind instrument has four layers of daun mengkuang or lontar kering," he said.
He said the sounds produced depend on these holes and type of wood used to make the serunai.
According to Isa, there are several types of serunai like the serunai Kedah and serunai Kelantan that have brighter colours.
Isa said the making of serunai now is much easier as there are machines that allow finer and better making of these instruments.
CULTURAL TROUPES
"I receive orders from nationwide. Usually the orders come cultural troupes who are my regular clients," he said.
He said the serunai is sold at RM200-RM400.
Out of Isa`s 10 children, only two -- Uji, 40, dan Abdul Rahim, 43, are interested in following his footsteps.
"I hope more of the younger generation would show interest in this musical heritage," he added.
Source: www.bernama.com (29 November 2007)
