Musical Creations in a Historical Perspective using the Kulcapi Musical Instrument in the Karo Society

Abstract

Indeed, there are many types of traditional Karo musical instruments that can produce melodies, but so far only one musical instrument has been used to imitate human or non-human sounds, and movements. This musical instrument is called kulcapi. The kulcapi musical instrument belongs to the lute group, which has a long neck and two strings. How to play this instrument is by using a plucked instrument which is called kuis-kuis. Playing the kulcpai musical instrument in Karo culture, studied from a historical perspective, we will find the development of changes in musical performances, changes in musical functions, and changes in musical composition. All of these developments were very useful in creating Karo's musical culture. One of the effects of this is that the kulcapi musical instrument is now very popular among young Karo musicians.