Angklung Traditional Musical Instrument

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

Each tone is generated by bamboo tubes of different sizes. When shaken, they produce a beautiful melody that is pleasant to hear. Therefore, to create a 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, which are then bound together using rattan.

How to Play the Angklung

Playing the angklung is relatively simple: the player holds the frame (the top part) and shakes the bottom section to produce sound. There are three fundamental techniques for playing the angklung:

1. Kerulung (Vibrato)

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

2. Centok (Snap)

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

3. Tengkep

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

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. The creation of this angklung is reserved exclusively for 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 also often used as decoration and is known locally as klong kluk.

3. Angklung Dogdog Lojor

Dogdog Lojor is a tradition that honors the rice plant. This angklung is used exclusively during the ritual processions. The tradition is still practiced by the Kasepuhan Pancer Pangawinan community or the Banten Kidul customary union. The indigenous people of Banten Kidul 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 larger angklung instruments.

4. Angklung Badeng

Hailing from Garut, Angklung Badeng was initially used as a musical accompaniment for rice planting rituals. With the spread of Islam in the past, its function shifted, and it began to be used as an instrument for supporting religious preaching.

A set of nine angklung is required to accompany the preaching process. These consist of 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. Daeng Soetigna modified the tube structure to produce a diatonic scale. As a result, this angklung can be played alongside popular and modern musical instruments.

Daeng Soetigna's vision was continued by Handiman Diratmasasmita, who aimed to elevate the angklung to an international standard.

Handiman continued producing diatonic angklung with further improvements. Besides Handiman Diratmasasmita, another key figure who actively promoted the angklung to the public was Udjo Ngalegena.