The Angklung Traditional Musical Instrument
The word "angklung" originates from the Sundanese term "angkleung-angkleung," which describes the player's motion following the rhythm. Meanwhile, the word "klung" represents the sound of the note produced by the instrument.
Each note is produced by a bamboo tube of a distinct size. When shaken, these tubes create a beautiful, pleasant-sounding melody. Therefore, to produce a complete melody, the angklung is played collectively.
Angklungs are typically crafted from black bamboo (Awi wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi temen), which characteristically turns yellowish-white when dried. They are assembled by bundling two to four bamboo tubes of different sizes, which are then tied together using rattan.
How to Play the Angklung
Playing the angklung is relatively simple. The player holds the upper frame and shakes the lower part to produce sound. There are three fundamental playing techniques:
1. Kerulung (Vibrato)
This is the most common and basic technique. Both hands hold the base of the bamboo tubes and repeatedly shake them from side to side while sustaining the note.
2. Centok (Snap)
In this technique, the tube is quickly snapped by the fingers against the palm of the hand, causing the angklung to produce a single, sharp, percussive sound.
3. Tengkep (Muted)
With this technique, the player shakes one tube while holding the other tube still to prevent it from vibrating, resulting in only a single note sounding.
Types of Angklung
Throughout the history of the angklung, many regions in Indonesia have developed new varieties. Here are the different types of angklung:
1. Angklung Kanekes
Originating from the Baduy area, the Angklung Kanekes is performed exclusively during rice planting ceremonies. Its construction is restricted to members of the Inner Baduy tribe.
2. Angklung Reog
This type of angklung is used to accompany the Reog Ponorogo dance from East Java. It features a distinct shape and sound compared to standard angklungs, producing a louder tone with only two notes. Angklung Reog is also often used decoratively and is known locally as klong kluk.
3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor
Dogdog Lojor is a tradition honoring the rice plant. This specific angklung is used only during the ritual procession. The tradition is still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community or the South Banten customary union, who hold the Dogdog Lojor ceremony annually.
In the Dogdog Lojor tradition, the angklung ensemble consists of six players: two perform on the Dogdog Lojor angklungs, while the other four play larger angklungs.
4. Angklung Badeng
Hailing from Garut, the Angklung Badeng was initially used as a musical accompaniment for rice planting rituals. With the spread of Islam in the past, its function shifted to accompanying religious propagation (dakwah).
A full set for dakwah accompaniment requires nine instruments: two roel angklungs, one kecer angklung, four indung angklungs, two anak angklungs, two dogdogs, and two gembyungs.
5. Angklung Padaeng
This type of angklung was first introduced by Daeng Soetigna in 1938. He modified the tube structure to produce a diatonic scale, allowing the angklung to be played alongside popular and modern musical instruments.
Daeng Soetigna's vision was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita, who aimed to elevate the angklung to the status of an international instrument.
Handiman continued crafting diatonic angklungs with further improvements. Alongside him, Udjo Ngalegena was another key figure dedicated to promoting the angklung to the public.
Tags : Music
