MUSIC - Rondalla

• Rondalla


  A stringed ensemble with instruments comprising mostly of the lute family (stringed instruments played with a plectrum or pick)
• Instruments in a standard Filipino rondalla

  • Bandurria
  • Laúd
  • Octavina
  • Guitar
  • Double bass
• Bandurria


  • Flat, pear-shaped body, with 14 frets and 14 strings
  • Plays the main melodic line with a very fast tremolando using a plectrum, which gives the rondalla its characteristic sound
  • Has 14 strings instead of 12 in the Philippine version
• Laud


  • Pear-shaped body, usually with 18 frets, and has 14 strings
  • Has f-holes or round sound holes
  • Carries the alto line of the music or plays counter melodies
• Octavina

  • Small-guitar-like body, normally with 14 strings and 18 frets
  • Tuned one octave lower than the bandurria
  • Plays the counterpart melody and the secondary counterpart melody
• Guitar

  • Frets ranging up to 21 frets
  • Body designed to have a light structure for better optimization of the amplification of sound
  • Upper 4 strings usually wrapped with bronze or copper to enrich the bass sounds
  • Plays the chords and primary rhythm of the musical piece
• Bajo de uñas (double bass)


  • Largest of all the stringed instruments, with thick strings and very low tones
  • No frets similar to a violin
  • Provides the fundamental tone and reinforces the rhythm
• The bandurria is usually the lead instrument in the rondalla ensemble
• Philippine secular music consists of orally transmitted genres and compositions performed in rural communities in Luzon and the Visayan region and generally referred to as folk music
• Some of the Spanish musical influences are Harana, Kundiman, and Balitaw, which significantly contribute to our instrumental and vocal music development
• Filipino artists were allowed to be exposed and learned various techniques in playing musical instruments like the guitar, leading them to the development and proliferation of Filipino folk songs
• Nowadays, rondalla festivals and contests are being sponsored by government offices and private entities to raise the standard of the rondalla organization and to develop further the talents of the performers
• In an 8-member Rondalla, it is advisable to have _ bandurria, _ laud, _ octavina, _ guitar, and _ bajo de unas


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