SOUND INTERPRETATION AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE MUSICAL WORK LEFA

Abstrak

Lefa is a contemporary musical composition inspired by the whale-hunting tradition of the Lamalera community in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This work aims to represent cultural values and local wisdom through a modern musical approach. The creative process follows the Wallas method, which includes four stages: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. The theoretical framework incorporates Rhodes’ theory of creativity, with an emphasis on the "person" aspect referring to the Lamalera people as cultural agents, and Paul Ricœur’s theory of interpretation to understand and translate the symbolic meanings embedded in the tradition. Lefa combines elements of soundscape, modern instruments such as guitar and percussion, as well as lead vocals and choir. The musical structure is based on five stages of the whale-hunting tradition, from preparation to return, with a dramatic approach that reflects emotional and social dynamics. This work serves not only as an artistic expression but also as an educational and cultural Preservation medium that aims to bridge tradition with modern society.