What is Rondalla?
The Rondalla was actually influenced by the Spanish ensemble but is now known to be a Philippine cultural trademark. A group of stringed instruments played with a plectrum.
🪕 Banduria – primary instrument and usually plays the melodic line of a piece or song
🪕 Octavina – mostly plays countermelody, but it can also play the piece’s or song’s melody
🪕 Laud – has the same number of strings, tuning and sound as the Octavina
🪕 Guitar – provides the harmony or the rhythmic pulse
🪕 Bajo / Double Bass – biggest and lowest sounding instrument
All About the Rondalla
A comprehensive resource for learning about the Philippine rondalla, a traditional ensemble of plucked string instruments. The playlist includes videos on the history of the rondalla, the different instruments that make up the ensemble, how to play the rondalla, and the different types of music that are played on the rondalla.
Whether you are a beginner who is interested in learning about the rondalla for the first time, or an experienced musician who wants to learn more about the history and culture of the rondalla, this playlist is for you.