Angklung Traditional Musical Instrument
The word "angklung" originates from the Sundanese term "angkleung-angkleung," which describes the player's rhythmic movements. Meanwhile, "klung" refers to the distinct musical tone produced by the instrument.
Each note is generated by bamboo tubes of varying sizes. When shaken, these tubes create beautiful, pleasant melodies. Therefore, angklung is typically played collectively to produce complete musical pieces.
Angklung are traditionally crafted from black bamboo (Awi wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi temen), which develop a characteristic yellowish-white hue when dried. The instrument is assembled by bundling two to four differently sized bamboo tubes together, secured with rattan ties.
How to Play the Angklung
Playing the angklung is relatively straightforward: musicians hold the upper frame and shake the lower section to produce sound. There are three fundamental playing techniques:
1. Kerulung (Vibrato)
This is the most basic technique where both hands grip the base of the bamboo tubes and repeatedly shake them left and right while sustaining the note.
2. Centok (Snap)
In this method, players quickly pull the tube with their fingers against their palm, creating a single, abrupt sound resembling a sharp beat.
3. Tengkep
This technique involves vibrating one tube while restraining others from moving, producing a single, pure tone without resonance from adjacent tubes.
Types of Angklung
Throughout its history, various Indonesian regions have developed distinct angklung varieties. Here are the main types:
1. Angklung Kanekes
Originating from the Baduy community, this angklung is exclusively played during rice planting ceremonies. Its construction is restricted to the Inner Baduy tribe members.
2. Angklung Reog
This variant accompanies the Reog Ponorogo dance from East Java. It features unique structural and acoustic characteristics, producing louder sounds with just two notes. Often used decoratively, it's also known as klong kluk.
3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor
Dogdog Lojor represents a traditional ceremony honoring rice plants. This angklung type is exclusively played during ritual processions, maintained by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community or the Banten Kidul traditional union, who annually perform the Dogdog Lojor tradition.
The ritual involves six performers: two handling Dogdog Lojor angklung and four operating larger angklung instruments.
4. Angklung Badeng
Hailing from Garut, Badeng angklung initially accompanied rice planting rituals. With the historical introduction of Islam, its function shifted to supporting religious propagation efforts.
Nine instruments complete the ensemble: two roel angklung, one kecer angklung, four indung angklung, two anak angklung, two dogdog, and two gembyung.
5. Angklung Padaeng
Introduced by Daeng Soetigna in 1938, this innovative design modified the bamboo structure to produce diatonic scales. This adaptation enabled integration with popular modern instruments.
Daeng Soetigna's vision was advanced by Handiman Diratmasasmita, who advocated for angklung's recognition as equally valid international musical instrument.
Handiman continued developing improved diatonic angklung, while Udjo Ngalegena became another prominent figure in popularizing the instrument globally.
