History of Classical Music and Its Figures in Indonesia

Baca Juga

Photo Source: Detik.com

FEMUSINDO.com - It is undeniable that the entry of classical music into Indonesia has had quite a lot of influence on the music genres in the country, for example jaipongan, dangdut, and also keroncong.

It is known that this classical music from Europe first came to Indonesia in the 18th century, although at that time it could be enjoyed by the Indonesian people starting in the 19th century.

The great influence of classical music in the world of Indonesian music can be seen in how our national anthem, "Indonesia Raya" which was written with a dominant classical music influence by W. R. Supratman.

European Classical Music

European classical music, according to Whiteboardjournal.com, first officially entered Indonesia in the 18th century during the Dutch colonial period. However, foreign music and classical instruments had been introduced to Indonesian musicians since the Portuguese occupation era.

Although this music had entered Indonesia, at that time their tones and sounds could only be enjoyed by a handful of Dutch nobles and wealthy officials.

This was because this music was only played during gatherings of nobles and officials in elite clubs and also exclusive parties that other people could not attend.

Over time, in the mid-1930s, the Indonesian music and film industry began to play classical music and hold orchestral performances which, although at that time rarely occupied by Indonesians, could be enjoyed by its people.

It was only in the 19th century that classical music could be enjoyed by all Indonesian people when the "Schouwburg van Batavia" was built, which we now know as the "Jakarta Arts Building".

Uniquely, during this period Indonesia was also a destination for many foreign classical musicians, such as Lili Kraus, Leopold Godowsky and also Pablo Calais.

Photo Source: YouTube.com

Classical Musician Figures in Indonesia

In addition to influencing the development of Indonesian music genres that have been successful until now, the entry of classical music has helped give birth to various legendary musicians.

They have made Indonesia's name famous, starting from those who are directly involved in the world of classical music, to other composers who are simply inspired by it.

One Indonesian musician who needs to be mentioned is Wage Rudolf Supratman or better known as W. R. Supratman, the composer of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya.

While still stopping in Makassar, W.R. Supratman first studied music with his brother-in-law Willem Van Eldik, until finally he was good at playing the violin and could compose his own songs, one of which was later immortalized as our national anthem, "Indonesia Raya".

The history of classical music also lives on in the work of one of our important musicians, Ismail Marzuki. From this figure, national songs were created that we know to this day such as "Halo-Halo Bandung".

Another figure who must be mentioned in the history of Indonesian classical music is Gesang Martohartono, one of the pioneers of keroncong music in Indonesia.

With how keroncong music is one of the derivatives of classical music, Martohartono has helped introduce classical music to the public while raising the status of keroncong music in the eyes of the Indonesian people and also on an international scale. (*)