Description:
The angklung is a percussion instrument classified as an idiophone. The
angklung has originated from ancient times in Java Indonesia. The
Angklung maybe either played individually or assembled onto a rack.
Ensembles may include 1 to 4 musicians and orchestras may include up to
40 members. The Angklung is found among various arrangements also in
Gamelan ensembles. The angklung had it first debut in 1955 arranged by
the Bandung conference held in Indonesia. The ensemble "Anakswarasanti"
uses angklung forged from metal "plates" in which are tuned roughly in
equivalent to G, A, B, D in the 12-tone scale. Orchestras have their
angklung arranged in male and female pair.
Low C B A G to F e d" high c" |
Anatomy of the Angklung:
The angklung is assembled by a horizontally supporting tubes of bamboo
in which two opposite square holes that are carved into a third bamboo
piece inserted into the middle of each horizontal tube. Two parallel
vertical pieces are wrapped with rattan to ensure stability. When
shaking the angklung the tubes and their respective pitches make a
rattling type sound when some plays the angklung. The two oscillating
tubes are inserted with two support beams in which when played they
rock through a pivoting motion thus producing the sound. On the main
horizontal tubes there are two holes carved in which the pivoting two
vertical tubes. The photograph on the right shows the construction of
one peace of the angklung.