kulintang

Kulintang is a gong chime originating from the Philippines, and it can also refer to a musical ensemble composed of these gongs. This Southeast Asian musical tradition is distinct from the Western music practiced by most of the Philippine population.12

In its most common form, a kulintang ensemble features seven or eight gongs arranged in a row, serving as melody instruments. These are accompanied by three other types of gongs and a cylindrical drum. The scale used in kulintang music is flexible, with combinations of wide and narrow gaps that can sometimes resemble a Chinese pentatonic scale. Melodies are constructed from core tones that form phrases, which are then repeated and extended to create a complete rendition, often lasting several minutes and played continuously throughout the night during traditional events. The tradition of kulintang, like other Southeast Asian music, is passed down through generations via rote learning and imitation rather than written notation.23