Tanjidor


Tanjidor is a traditional Betawi musical ensemble developed in Jakarta, Indonesia. This musical ensamble took form of a modest orchestra, and was developed in the 19th century, pioneered by Augustijn Michiels or better known as Major Jantje in the Citrap or Citeureup area on the outskirt of Batavia.
The instruments used are almost the same as the drum band, usually consists of tuba, trumpet, clarinet, tambourine and drums. Other than Jakarta, tanjidor musical ensamble is also can be found in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

Etymology

The term tanjidor was derived from Portuguese tanger and tangedor, subsequently adopted in Betawi language as tanji.

Performance

Tanjidor is commonly performed as a traditional street music as well as festive music in numbers of celebrations; such as the Cap go meh party in Betawi Chinese circles, and Lebaran Betawi. Tanjidor is usually performed in traditional Betawi wedding to deliver the groom, or performed in parades. In general, tanjidor is usually performed during festive occasions of the Betawi community.
This form of musical ensemble is the remnant of the colonial marching band brass and wind instrument and music of the Dutch East Indies era in Indonesia. Their music is usually cheerful songs akin to military marches music from the Dutch colonial era, which are usually played by soldiers at that time.

Instruments

There is no fix numbers of instrument that can be used in tanjidor. It can be as little as a duo of tuba and trumpet, to a quite complete orchestra consists of numbers of wind and percussion instruments. The musical instruments being played in tanjidor among others are: