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

Closeup of a gong from gamelan degung

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

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.

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', The Jakarta Post, 22 February 2004.
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