Sunda, West Java - Gamelan Degung

Gamelan Degung is exclusive to Sunda. In the 19th century, this ensemble appeared in the courts of the Bupati or Regents. Since Independence, Degung has become increasingly known among the general populace. Nowadays it is often played at wedding banquets or as background music. Owing to the fact that it was closely linked to former aristocratic connections, the middle class consider it more ‘high-class’ than Gamelan Saléndro. Degung was played exclusively by men in the courts or Kabupatén, but now it is more often played by groups of women (apart from the suling and kendang).

The music usually played on Gamelan Degung has changed considerably since the time when it was first played in Court. Formerly the repertoire consisted primarily of long, rather austere pieces without singing. This style is sometimes referred to as Degung Klasik. Later, Degung came to be used as accompaniment for female solo singer, or juru kawih.

In general, Gamelan Degung consists of the seven instruments which include Gong, Jengglong, Kendang, Bonang, Panerus, Suling and Peking/Saron.

Jengglong

In older Gamelan Degung ensemble, the jengglong pots are hung from a frame, facing the player. This however has changed over time in which now jengglong are placed on horizontal frames instead.

Bonang

The bonang comprises of 14 pots arranged in a single row. Sometimes it is arranged in two frames set at angle in a V-shape. In more recent ensemble however, bonang are often placed on three shorter frames seta at right angle in U-shape.

Peking

Peking look almost similar to saron in Gamelan Salendro but both have different range of about two and a half octaves. The exact ranges of the two instruments differ in different Gamelan Degung but they always overlap, with the peking having higher pitch.

Kendang and Kulanter

In Gamelan Degung, the kendang is placed on its stand with the edge of the small head resting on the floor, and the large head facing the player. The two kulanter are then placed upright on either side of the large kendang. The right-hand kulanter has its large head facing upwards and the left-hand one its small head facing upwards. In this style the large kendang and the right-hand kulanter are beaten with a stick, while the left-hand kulanter is slapped with the hand. 

Suling

The suling (bamboo flute) used in Gamelan Degung is quite short (a little over 30 cm long) and has four holes. Its effective range is two octaves.