Angklung Instrument

Angklung: A Traditional Indonesian Musical Instrument

The word "angklung" originates from the Sundanese language, derived from "angkleung-angkleung," describing the rhythmic movements of the player. "Klung" refers to the sound produced by the instrument.

Each note is generated by a bamboo tube of a specific size. The varying sizes create a beautiful and pleasing melody when shaken. Therefore, angklung music is typically played collectively to create a complete composition.

Angklung are traditionally crafted from black bamboo (Awi Wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi Temen), characterized by a yellowish-white hue when dried. They are constructed by binding two to four bamboo tubes of different sizes together with rattan.

Playing the Angklung

Playing the angklung is relatively straightforward. Players hold the angklung's frame (upper section) and shake the lower section to produce sound. Three basic techniques exist:

1. Kerulung (Vibration): This fundamental technique involves holding the base of the bamboo tubes and shaking them left and right repeatedly to sustain a note.

2. Centok (Flick): The tube is quickly flicked from the finger to the palm, producing a single, percussive sound.

3. Tengkep: One tube is shaken while another is held, producing a single, isolated note.

Types of Angklung

Throughout its history, various regions in Indonesia have developed unique angklung variations:

1. Angklung Kanekes: Originating from the Baduy region, this angklung is played solely during rice planting ceremonies, and its creation is exclusively undertaken by members of the Baduy Dalam tribe.

2. Angklung Reog: Used to accompany the Reog Ponorogo dance in East Java, this angklung features a distinct shape and sound compared to standard angklung. Its sound is louder and typically limited to two notes. It's also often used as an ornament and sometimes called "klong kluk."

3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor: Part of a tradition honoring rice plants, this angklung is used exclusively during the Dogdog Lojor ritual, still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community in Banten Kidul. Six players participate, with two playing the Dogdog Lojor angklung and four playing larger angklung.

4. Angklung Badeng: From Garut, the Angklung Badeng initially accompanied rice planting rituals. With the spread of Islam, its function shifted to accompanying religious sermons. Nine angklung are used: two roel, one kecer, four indung, two anak, two dogdog, and two gembyung.

5. Angklung Padaeng: Introduced by Daeng Soetigna in 1938, this angklung features modified bamboo structures to produce diatonic notes, enabling it to be played alongside modern instruments. His work was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita and Udjo Ngalegana, who further promoted the angklung's use and international recognition.