Goal of this Exhibition

The famous Sundanese music scholar Henry Spiller pointed out that the variety of gamelan ensembles deriving from Javanese models became an integral part of unique Sundanese identity. "Although gamelan ensembles came to West Java as symbols of outside authority and power, in the ensuing centuries an astonishing variety of regional styles and repertories have flourished.” This exhibition introduces to viewers two major Sundanese music genres – gamelan degung and gamelan salendro.

Geography

Sunda is not the name of a specific place but refers to the Austronesian native of the modern-day province of West Java. This area has been historically called Priangan or Parahyangan, meaning “the land of the gods”. The northern part of West Java is dominated by a chain of volcanoes and highland plateau which extends along the southern coast creating a narrow strip of coastal lowlands. Its climate and rich volcanic soil make it an ideal place for the cultivation of tea and coffee.

Sundanese People

Sundanese is the second most populous ethnic group in Indonesia and the people speak the Sundanese language. Historically, Sundanese people were divided into two main classes:

• Menak (aristocrats): Their musical pursuit was similar to those of the Javanese upper class, which included gamelan degung and gamelan slendro, both rooted in Javanese gamelan;
• Rakyat (commoners): their music is related to angklung (a bamboo instrument often played in agricultural ritual), karinding (jaw’s harp), and entertainment such as ronggeng dance.

Although these social classes have become less relevant in the modern age, some music genres previously associated with these classes remain popular and have become parts of the Sundanese soundscape.

[Image 3]

Angklung (demonstration)

[Image 4]

Karinding (demonstration)

Overview

The history of Sundanese gamelan can be traced back to the ancient kingdoms of West Java, where gamelan was used in the court and religious ceremonies. It also played an important role in Sundanese cultural and artistic expression. During the Dutch colonial period, Sundanese gamelan underwent some changes due to the influence of Western music. Its popularity dropped in comparison to the growing recognition of Javanese and Balinese gamelans. In the 20^th century, Sundanese gamelan experienced a revival. Traditional music and culture were rekindled. Efforts were made by musicians and scholars to study, document, preserve and promote the Sundanese gamelan tradition. As a result, Sundanese gamelan is now being practiced and performed in various contexts, from traditional ceremonies to contemporary music concerts. It continues to evolve and adapt to new contexts, while new pieces – with roots in the rich history and traditions of the Sundanese culture – are being created.

Sundanese gamelan has become an important part of the cultural identity of the Sundanese people and is recognized as a unique and valuable contribution to the musical heritage of Indonesia.

Structure

As with all gamelan traditions, Sundanese gamelan utilizes a four-tier musical layer:

• The first tier: involves the use of colotomic structure which employs gong-type instrument to mark various structural points in the piece;
• The second and third tiers: concern the use of simplified and elaborated melodies;
• The fourth tier: involves the use of drums to coordinate the tempo, rhythmic activities, and overall mood of the music.

The distinct Sundanese sonic identity is a result of how the four tiers of musical activities are structured and related to each other, making it different from that of Javanese and Balinese gamelans.

Orchestra

• A Sundanese gamelan orchestra consists of a variety of instruments, including metallophones, xylophones, drums, gongs and flutes;
• The metallophones are typically made of bronze or iron, with keys arranged in a row sitting on a wooden frame;
• The drums and gongs provide a rhythmic foundation for the ensemble;
• The flutes add melody and embellishment to the whole ensemble;
• The orchestra is relatively smaller than that of other gamelan traditions.

[Video 2]

Sundanese Musical Instruments with Voice

Singing is accompanied by Sundanese musical instruments quite often. The nine-box grid in the video enables the viewers to get a glimpse of different Sundanese musical instruments.

Instrument

Gamelan
Degung

Gamelan
Salendro

Goong
The size is close to the medium-size Javanese gong.

Kempul
A bit smaller than the goong hanging from a frame.

Saron
Keyed metallophone.

Panerus
Keyed metallophone, one octave lower than the saron.

Bonang
Horizontal gong chime with 10 to 14 small knobbed gongs.

Rincik
Sitting gong chime similar to bonang but tuned an octave higher.

Gambang
Xylophone with 18 to 21 wooden keys.

Kendang
A set of barrel drums.

Rebab
Fiddle with two brass strings and a skin-covered resonator.

Kenong
Horizontal gong chime with large gongs tuned lower than the bonang.

Jengglong
Horizontal gong with three to six gongs, tuned an octave lower than the kenong.

Kecrek
Stack of iron plates hit with a wooden hammer.

Suling
Short bamboo flute with four to six finger holes and has a two-octave range.

Sundanese gamelan is a rich and vibrant musical tradition that has been an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Sundanese people of West Java and Indonesia for centuries. As one of the three major gamelan traditions in Indonesia, Sundanese gamelan has its own repertoire, playing styles, rich and complex musical texture, organizational principles, terminology, and history. Along with its unique combination of gongs, drums, metallophones and other instruments, Sundanese gamelan sets it apart from Javanese and Balinese gamelans. Despite the challenges posed by modernization and nationalism, through the efforts of musicians, scholars and cultural organizations, Sundanese gamelan has continued to thrive and evolve over time.

[Video 5]

Hariring Bandung (Hello Bandung)

Gamelan degung is preferred by the Sundanese elite due to its connection with the court. A pop music style has been developed in the last three decades, gaining popularity among young people. Hariring Bandung is a good example.