Alok

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Alok (Javanese for "shout") is a style of singing used in Javanese gamelan. They are generally performed by the gerong. It consists of short phrases (usually vowels) of indeterminate pitch, inserted especially at certain places in the colotomic structure of the piece.

Senggakan are similarly inserted into pieces, but generally consist of nonsense syllables and are sung in a specific melody. They are often used together with keplok.

Balinese kecak similarly uses nonsense syllables.

Alok means divine light in Sanskrit. It also symbolises pure and immense power.



Instruments and vocals used in Javanese gamelan

Colotomic instruments:
Balungan instruments:
Panerusan instruments:
Unpitched instruments:
Vocals and clapping:

 

Kempyang and ketuk | Kempul | Kenong | Gong
Saron panerus | Saron barung | Demung | Slenthem | Slentho
Bonang | Gendér | Gambang | Siter | Celempung | Suling | Rebab
Kendang | Bedug | Kecer | Kemanak | Kepyak
Gerong | Sindhen | Alok | Senggakan | Keplok