Classical Music of North Sumatra, Batak Toba – Gondang Sabangunan

Gondang performance is central to Batak Toba religious and cultural practices and is an integral part of adat. Gondang Sabangunan ensemble are often played during  ritual ceremonies in Batak Toba. This ensemble is played by a group of man called pargonsi. The instruments of Gondang Sabangunan are one or two Sarune Bolon (double-reed oboe), five Taganing (single headed-braced drum) and one Gordang or bass drum (single headed), four Ogung (suspended gong) they are: Ogung Oloan, Ogung Ihutan, Ogung Doal and Ogung Panggora; one Hesek (struck idiophone).


Taganing

From a technical perspective, taganing plays the melody together with sarune and also control the repertoire. Taganing serves as a "pengaba" or "conductor". Taganing is one of the Batak Toba  musical instruments, which comprises five drums that serve as carriers of melody and rhythm as well as a variable in some songs. Taganing is also a melodic drum set (drum-chime), which consists of five gendang that hang in a rack. The shape is almost similar to gordang. Taganing is played by one or two people using two sticks. Compared to gordang which is relatively constant, taganing is much more melodic.

 

Gordang

Gordang is almost similar to taganing but it is much bigger and responsible to bring about a constant and variable rhythm for the ensemble. It is known as the ‘bass’ for Gondang Sabangunan ensemble.

Sarune

Sarune serves as an accompaniment to the melody played by taganing. It is a wind instrument in Gondang Sabangunan and it is also in the same category as Serunai. There are two types of sarune, first is sarune etek which has single reed while sarune bolon has double reed.

Ogung Oloan

Ogung Oloan presents a low-pitched sound of the rhythm and is acts the base that remains to be followed by another ogung. It will also lead all other ogung rhythm. Oloan greeted by Ogung Ihutan.

Ogung Ihutan

 Named Ogung Ihutan because it follows the sound of Ogung Oloan. It is also known as Ogung Pangalusi and has a higher pitch than Ogung Oloan.


Ogung Panggora

 This instrument is one of the different type of Ogung that exist in the Batak community. Ogung Panggora produces loud and blaring sound compared to other types of ogung.

Ogung Doal

Ogung Doal adds variation and additional rhythm to the whole ensemble.

Hesek

Hesek is to be played together with other instruments. Without hesek, a musical piece played on Gondang Sabangunan would be incomplete. Although hesek play only simple melody, it plays and important and decisive role in the ensemble.