1. Use of Indigenous Instruments:
- Instruments like the nose flute ("solibao"), bamboo flutes ("diwdiw-as"), gongs ("gangsa"), jaw harps ("kubing"), bamboo zithers ("pattung"), and various percussion instruments are commonly used.
2. Call and Response:
- Often features a call-and-response structure where the main singer introduces a phrase or melody, and the chorus or other singers respond in harmony or unison.
3. Epic Chants and Narratives:
- Many vocal instrumental pieces accompany the recitation or chanting of epic poems, folktales, or oral histories passed down through generations. Examples include the Kalinga "Hudhud" and Ifugao "Hudyo."
4. Ritual and Ceremonial Music:
- Used for various ceremonies and rituals, such as weddings, funerals, peace pacts ("bodong"), or agricultural rituals to ensure bountiful harvests.
5. Love Songs:
- Some vocal instrumental pieces express romantic emotions and themes of courtship and love. They may feature poetic and metaphorical lyrics.
6. Dance Music:
- Several compositions accompany traditional dances like the "benguet" or "saggeypo" from the Benguet province or the "tayaw" from the Kalinga and Apayao regions.
7. Polyrhythms and Complex Rhythmic Patterns:
- Often characterized by intricate rhythmic patterns and polyrhythms created by the interplay of different instruments and vocal parts.
8. Improvisation:
- Vocalists and instrumentalists may engage in spontaneous improvisations within a traditional framework, adding their own variations during performances.
Here are some examples of vocal instrumental music from different Cordillera tribes:
- Ifugao: "Hudyo" epic chants, "Uyauyeng" fertility rites music
- Kalinga: "Hudhud" epic chants, "Tagulimbao" courtship songs
- Benguet: "Sakneng" gong music, "Bungkaka" bamboo zither music
- Apayao: "Kalali" nose flute music, "Palpalliw" dance music
- Kankana-ey: "Atto" gong music, "Alibtek" bamboo jew's harp music
Vocal instrumental music from the Cordillera region reflects the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the indigenous communities that inhabit the mountainous regions of the Philippines. It serves as a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and the preservation of traditional practices.