Gamelan degung

Music of Indonesia
Kempul gongs from Java
Genres
Specific forms
Regional music

Gamelan Degung is a Sundanese musical ensemble that uses a subset of modified gamelan instruments with a particular mode of pelog scale. The instruments are manufactured under local conditions in towns in West Java such as Bogor.[1] Degung music is often played at public gatherings in West Java, such as at local elections, as well as many other events.[2] There is international interest in degung as well amongst communities in other countries interested in Indonesia and gamelan music.[3]

Instruments

The instrumentation of gamelan degung is quite flexible. It may include:


  • Bonang/kolènang: two rows of seven small bulbous gongs. It differs from its Javanese counterpart in that the rows are each placed on either side of the player.
  • Saron/peking: a high-pitched bronze metallophone with fourteen keys.
  • Panerus: another bronze metallophone, similar to the peking but pitched an octave lower.
  • Jengglong: six bulbous gongs suspended from the same frame.
  • Goong ageung: a large gong.
  • A set of kendang, consisting of one large and two small double-sided drums.
  • Suling degung: a four-holed bamboo flute.
  • Gambang: a wooden xylophone.
Gamelan degung barudak, group Indra Swara in Mexico
Closeup of a bonang from gamelan degung
Sundanese Gamelan Degung.
Sundanese students playing gamelan degung on the street.

In classical degung, the bonang serves as a conductor for the whole ensemble. Except in certain modern compositions, it is rarely absent.

gamelan degung Indra Swara Group Mexico
gamelan degung Indra Swara Group Mexico

References

  1. ↑ Retno K. Djojo, 'For the love of music', The Jakarta Post, 29 January 2010.
  2. ↑ Theresia Sufa, 'Sundanese music and dance liven election day in Bogor', The Jakarta Post, 26 October 2008.
  3. ↑ Dewi Anggraeni, 'Melbourne: Gamelan, elephants and 'Jackpot' Archived 2015-04-02 at the Wayback Machine., The Jakarta Post, 22 February 2004.
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