Angklung: The Traditional Musical Instrument
The word "angklung" originates from the Sundanese term "angkleung-angkleung", referring to the players' movements following the rhythm, while "klung" represents the musical tone produced by the instrument.
Construction and Sound
Each note comes from differently sized bamboo tubes. When shaken, these produce beautiful melodies that are pleasing to the ear. This is why creating music with angklung requires collective play.
Craftsmen typically use black bamboo (Awi wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi temen), which develops a distinctive yellowish-white color when dried. The instrument is assembled by combining 2-4 different sized bamboo tubes, bound together with rattan.
Playing Techniques
Playing the angklung is relatively simple - musicians hold the frame (upper part) and shake the lower section to produce sound. There are three fundamental techniques:
- Kerulung (Vibration)
The most basic technique where both hands hold the base of the bamboo tubes and shake them side to side repeatedly while playing notes.
- Centok (Snap)
This technique involves quickly pulling the tube with fingers against the palm, creating a single percussive sound.
- Tengkep (Mute)
Players vibrate one tube while holding another steady to produce only a single note.
Types of Angklung
Throughout its history, different Indonesian regions have developed unique angklung variations:
- Angklung Kanekes
Originating from Baduy, this type is exclusively played during rice planting ceremonies and made only by the Baduy Dalam tribe.
- Angklung Reog
Used to accompany Reog Ponorogo dance in East Java, this version features distinct shapes, louder sound, and only two notes. Often called klong kluk, it also serves decorative purposes.
- Angklung Dogdog Lojor
Part of a rice plant tribute ceremony still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community in South Banten. The performance involves six musicians - two playing Dogdog Lojor and four handling larger angklung.
- Angklung Badeng
From Garut, originally accompanied rice planting rituals before evolving into an Islamic preaching accompaniment. A complete set requires nine instruments of various types and sizes.
- Angklung Padaeng
Daeng Soetigna's 1938 innovation featuring diatonic scales, allowing integration with modern instruments. This modernization was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita and popularized by Udjo Ngalagena.
Tags : Music
