Malay Art Song as Cultural Expression: Performing Patah Sebelah Sayapku through a Practice-Based Lens

This article examines the interplay of cultural identity and artistic interpretation in the performance of Patah Sebelah Sayapku, a contemporary Malay art song composed by Marzelan Salleh. Drawing on practice-based research, the study analyses the performer’s reflective journey in preparing and presenting this work, which synthesizes the Javanese pelog selisir scale with Western harmonic progressions. The article explores technical challenges, interpretive decisions, and poetic-musical integration to highlight how cultural hybridity shapes performance practice. Through score analysis, rehearsal documentation, and personal reflection, this study positions the Malay art song as a vital medium for expressing artistic identity and musical innovation.