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 created by a differently sized bamboo tube; when shaken, these tubes produce a beautiful and pleasing melody. Therefore, angklung is typically played collectively to create a complete musical piece. Angklung are usually crafted from black bamboo (Awi Wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi Temen), characterized by a yellowish-white hue when dried. They are assembled by binding two to four bamboo tubes of varying sizes together with rattan.

How to Play the Angklung

Playing the angklung is relatively simple. The player holds the angklung's frame (top section) and shakes the bottom to produce sound. There are three basic techniques:

1. Kerulung (Vibration): This is the most common and fundamental technique. Both hands hold the base of the bamboo tubes, vibrating them left and right repeatedly to sustain a note.
2. Centok (Snap): In this technique, the tube is quickly pulled by the fingers towards the palm, producing a single, sharp sound.
3. Tengkep: Here, the player vibrates one tube while holding another to prevent it from vibrating, resulting in a single, isolated sound.

Types of Angklung

Throughout history, various regions in Indonesia have developed unique types of angklung:

1. Angklung Kanekes: Originating from Baduy, this angklung is played only during rice planting ceremonies. Only members of the Baduy Dalam tribe are permitted to make them.
2. Angklung Reog: Used to accompany the Reog Ponorogo dance in East Java, this angklung has a distinctive shape and sound, louder than the common angklung, typically featuring only two notes. It's also often used as decoration and is sometimes called "klong kluk."
3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor: This angklung is part of a tradition honoring rice plants, used solely during specific rituals 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, initially used to accompany rice planting rituals, its function shifted with the spread of Islam, becoming an accompaniment for religious sermons. Nine angklung are needed: 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, allowing it to be played with modern instruments. His work was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita, aiming to elevate the angklung to international musical standards. Udjo Ngalegena also played a significant role in popularizing the angklung.