Mupu Kembang / Sulaeman

“A song with the rhythm of the ancient bards; a girl collecting flowers.“ (Pelog mode) Born in Bandung around 1910, Sulaeman has made previous recordings accompanying famous singers of the late 1920’s and 30’s. Then, being reclusive like many traditional flute players, he dissapeared until 1970 when he was rediscovered by Dean Surybrata and joined the Faculty of Fine Arts at the National University in Jakarta. Sukaya Di Karta and his brother Sukama Di Karta, both from the Faculty of Fine Arts, are Sulaeman’s regular accompanists playing the 18-string kacapi. Recorded by P.T. Remaco, Jakarta, Indonesia, May, 1975.