MALAY GAMELAN: PLAYING TECHNIQUES OF THE KEROMONG AND GAMBANG

Abstract

Malay gamelan is a traditional music ensemble that accompanies the Joget Gamelan dance and was found in the palace of Johor-Riau, Pahang, and Terengganu in the 19th century, before disappearing in 1942. Malay Gamelan was exclusively taught in the palace orally, that is, through the process of listening, observing, memorising, and repeating; much like other classical Malay traditional arts. This study was initiated to discuss some aspects of Malay gamelan music in detail as there is little documentation regarding Malay gamelan in the academic world. Several writings on Joget Gamelan were produced based on the 1966 discovery in Terengganu and the inaugural performance in 1969 at the University of Malaya. However, attention to the different aspects of Malay gamelan music was not exhaustive. This study explores the playing techniques of keromong and gambang that were traditionally taught and passed down among Malay gamelan practitioners. A qualitative method was used in this research, whereby the earliest recordings of Malay gamelan music were analysed and interviews were conducted with informants, or also known as adiguru of Malay gamelan practitioners who studied directly with the last generation of Terengganu court musicians. The objective of this study is to 1) identify the techniques of keromong playing in Malay gamelan, and 2) identify the techniques of gambang playing in Malay gamelan. Findings from this study will provide an understanding of the musical instruments and what defines the style of Malay gamelan music, as well as become a guide for future researchers and practitioners in efforts to conserve and preserve the Malay traditional art.