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Introduction to Gendang
Gendang is a two-headed drum used by peoples from Maritime Southeast Asia. Gendang is one of the primary instruments used in the Gamelan ensembles of Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese Lombok, and Terengganu. The gendang ensemble as well as various Kulintang ensembles in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. It is constructed in a variety of ways by different ethnic groups.
Drums are made of good wood and are durable to produce good sound. It uses tiger skin on the right and goat skin on the left. The surface of the left skin is played with the hands while the right side is played with the beating of Kemuning wood. Both types of drums have strings that make it easy to carry to the playgrounds. Around the drum is wrapped with 1-foot paper rattan. This tool is wrapped in a yellow cloth.
Among the Javanese, Sundanese, or Malay peoples, the gendang has one side larger than the other, with the larger, lower-pitched side usually placed to the right, and are usually placed on stands horizontally and hit with the hands on either side while seated on the floor. Amongst groups like the Balinese, Tausug, and Maranao, both sides are of equal size and are played on either one or both sides using a combination of hands and/or sticks.
Within Gamelan, the kendang is smaller than the beduk, which is placed inside a frame, hit with a beater, but used less frequently. The gendang usually has the function of keeping the tempo (Laya) while changing the density (Irama), and signalling some of the transitions (peralihan) to sections and the end of the piece (suwuk).
In dance or wayang, the gendang player will follow the movements of the dancer, and communicate them to the other players in the ensemble. In West Java, gendang are used to keep the tempo of Gamelan Degung. Gendang are also used as main instrument for Jaipongan dances. In another composition called Rampak Kendang, a group of drummers play in harmony.
Types of Gendang
Gendang Ageng
Gendang gede, or gendang gendhing is the largest gendang, which usually has the deepest tone. It is played by itself in the gendang satunggal (used one drum) style, which is used for the most solemn or majestic pieces or parts of pieces. It is played with the gendang ketipung for kendhang kalih (used two drum) style, which is used in faster tempos and less solemn pieces.
Gendang Wayang
It is also medium-sized, and was traditionally used to accompany wayang performances, although now other drums can be used as well.
Gendang Batangan or Gendang Ciblon
It is a medium-sized drum, used for the most complex or lively rhythms. It is typically used for livelier sections within a piece. The word ciblon derives from a Javanese type of water-play, where people smack the water with different hand shapes to give different sounds and complex rhythms. The technique of this gendang, which is said to imitate the water-play, is more difficult to learn than the other kendang styles.
Gendang Ketipung
It is the smallest kendang, used with the kendang ageng in gendang kalih style.
How to Play Gendang?
The simple way to play gendang is to hit with the palm of your hand. The parts that are smacked are the right and left sides made of animal skin.
There are some basic techniques you can do to be able to produce a beautiful sound from gendang. Here are the techniques:
Sit as comfortably as possible and put the gendang in front of you.
Make sure the position of the hand can reach the drum properly and do not use force.
Relax, take a breath, and release all tension. This is because tension can affect the rhythm of the strokes to be played. Finally, the resulting sound can be messy. Try making one beat at a time first.
It is recommended to use your dominant hand to hit the large part that produce “bum” sound, while use your weak hand to hit the small part of gendang to produce “tak” sound.
When you get used to it, try making a sound by alternating the right and left tapping. Do not hit them at the same time, because the sound will be strange when you listen to it.
For beginner, you can try hit it with a slow tempo by following your feeling.
Over time, your hands will get used to moving fast so they can produce more notes and beautiful sound.
Way to play gendang as above requires a lot of practice and exercise. It cannot be just one or two times. So, good luck in mastering this cool musical instrument!
How to Take Care of Your Gendang?
1. Store it in a dry place. 2. Keep away from heat and sunlight.
3. Always wipe so that dust or dirt does not accumulate.
4. Do not drop the gendang. 5. Do not store it for too long. Play it always.
6. Learn how to hold and play it properly so as not to damage it.
7. Tighten the gendang before use and do not forget to loosen it after using.
8. Do not forget to tighten it once every 6 months to keep the gendang sound in a good condition and to preserve it for long-lasting use.
Understanding Basic Gendang Notation and Pattern
Traditional Pattern :
This pattern will be used in mostly of traditional Malay gamelan until the last line of the song.
Also note that : bum=b, tak=t
Close Pattern (pattern tutup) :
This pattern usually will be played at the last line of any traditional Malay gamelan song to alert other players or dancer that the song is at their end.
Also note that : bum=b, tak=t
How to Play Timang Burung with Gendang
Let's watch how the full song is performed by Sanggar Kirana.
Timang Burung Playback by Sanggar Kirana
Timang Burung Music Sheet
This is the common form of Gamelan music sheet, however, for Gendang, we will be looking at a different form of music score in this lesson.
Song Backgroud
This song is inspired by Hikayat Panji Semirang. It evokes the lovers’ tale of Raden Galuh Chendera Kirana and Raden Inu Karpati. Having run away from the royal palace, Chendera Kirana, alone and dejected, takes a breather in the forest. Thinking of her lost love, she plays with her beloved pet bird that can dance.
In the Joget Gamelan Timang Burung, every movement emulates the graceful movement of a bird in flight or at rest, exuding simple joy and serenity.
Playing Timang Burung with Gendang
A typical gamelan song will dedicate an opening phrase called “Buka Lagu”. In this context, the whole phrase as highlighted with green lines are the Buka Lagu of the Timang Burung. Buka Lagu serves as an opening excerpt to initiate the song. Unlike other ensembles, in traditional songs for Gamelan Melayu, the song will typically begin with either Bonang or Gambang playing the Buka Lagu of the song in solo. For gendang, we going to play at the last column of the last line.
Buka lagu for Gendang :
Also note that : bum=b, tak=t
Timang Burung Music Score for Gendang
Timang Burung Tutorial Video
Now let's watch the tutorial on how to play Timang Burung on Bonang.
The link for the full syllabus playlist can be found here.
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