Angklung Instrument

Angklung Traditional Musical Instrument

The term "angklung" originates from the Sundanese word "angkleung-angkleung," which refers to the movement of players following the rhythm. Meanwhile, the word "klung" represents the sound tone produced by this musical instrument.

Each note is produced by differently sized bamboo tubes. When shaken, they create a beautiful melody that is pleasant to the ear. Therefore, to produce a complete melody, the angklung is played collectively.

Angklung is typically made from black bamboo (Awi wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi temen), which characteristically turns yellowish-white when dried. The instrument is assembled by gathering two to four bamboo tubes of varying sizes and binding them together with rattan.

How to Play the Angklung

Playing the angklung is relatively simple. The player holds the frame (the upper part) and shakes the lower section to produce sound. There are three basic techniques for playing the angklung:

1. Kerulung (Vibrato)

This is the most common and fundamental technique, where both hands hold the base of the bamboo tubes and repeatedly shake them left and right while playing a note.

2. Centok (Jerk)

In this technique, the tube is quickly pulled by the fingers toward the palm, causing the angklung to sound once with a sharp, striking tone.

3. Tengkep

With this method, the player shakes one tube while holding the other tubes still to prevent vibration, resulting in a single, clear sound.

Types of Angklung

Throughout the history of the angklung, many regions in Indonesia have developed new varieties. Here are the different types of angklung:

1. Angklung Kanekes

Originating from the Baduy community, Angklung Kanekes is performed only during rice planting ceremonies. Its construction is exclusively carried out by the Inner Baduy tribe.

2. Angklung Reog

This type of angklung is used to accompany the Reog Ponorogo dance in East Java. It features a distinct shape and sound compared to standard angklung, producing a louder tone with only two notes. Angklung Reog is often used as decoration and is also known as klong kluk.

3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor

Dogdog Lojor is a tradition that honors rice plants. This angklung variety is used solely during ritual ceremonies. The tradition is still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community or the South Banten customary union, who hold the Dogdog Lojor tradition annually.

In the Dogdog Lojor tradition, there are only six players: two perform on the Dogdog Lojor angklung, while the other four play the larger angklung.

4. Angklung Badeng

Hailing from Garut, Angklung Badeng was initially used as a musical accompaniment in rice planting rituals. With the spread of Islam in the past, its function shifted, and it is now used to support religious preaching.

A set of nine angklung is required for accompanying preaching. These include two roel angklung, one kecer angklung, four indung angklung, two anak angklung, two dogdog, and two gembyung.

5. Angklung Padaeng

This type of angklung was first introduced by Daeng Soetigna in 1938. He modified the tube structure to produce diatonic scales, allowing the angklung to be played alongside popular and modern musical instruments.

Daeng Soetigna's vision was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita, who aimed to elevate the angklung to the level of international instruments.

Handiman advanced the production of diatonic angklung with further improvements. Alongside Handiman Diratmasasmita, Udjo Ngalegena was another key figure who actively promoted the angklung to the public.