Recapitulation of Malay asli music genre transcriptions for a chamber trio employing artistic analysis

Music transcription (transcribing music into notation form) is one of the most preferred methods of preserving traditional music, which is generally transmitted orally. The purpose of this study is to generate educational material through the collaborative analysis and editing of six music transcriptions of Malay asli music for a trio of flute, viola, and piano. This research stems from questioning whether the six transcriptions sufficiently convey traditional music characteristics and features or whether these characteristics and features need to be imitated from the original sound. The research is practice-led, employing experimental and analytical approaches combined with participants, also assuming the role of researcher and collecting data via self-observation. Following the outcome of recapitulation via artistic analysis, the six music transcriptions were edited with a modified interweaving of voices, a range of sound pitches for each musical instrument, and a classification of the rhythmic styles, music structure, and texture. The transcriptions produced resemble typical Western music scores, which are required to convey traditional music characteristics through the imitation of previously listened to audio or video recordings of traditional ensemble performances. An advanced understanding of interpreted transcriptions through artistic analysis may have significant practical benefits for music performers, educators, and learners preparing to perform this genre of music. Additionally, it might provide a future framework for scholarly work on classical ensembles.