KAKAWIHAN BARUDAK SUNDA: SUNDANESE CHILDREN'S SONGS OF WEST JAVA

This essay defines the musical characteristics of Sundanese children's songs (Kakawihan Barudak Sunda) and interprets the meanings embedded in these songs. Kakawihan Barudak Sunda are sung throughout the province of West Java and refer to: (1) a repertoire of songs, and (2) the social context of singing these songs. The lyrics of Kakawihan Barudak Sunda contain deep meanings and reflect particular Sundanese historical, social, and cultural/religious values. Kakawihan Barudak Sunda are disseminated orally from one generation to the next. Sundanese believe that these songs have existed for hundreds of years. In the 1950s, the context of performance of Kakawihan Barudak Sunda shifted from village contexts to entertainment, music competitions, and festivals. This essay presents a musical and textual analysis of four Kakawihan Barudak Sunda.