Music Art

Topeng Gamelan

Topeng Gamelan is a set of musical instruments commonly used in the Betawi Topeng dance (play). The equipment consists of a fiddle, a pair of drums – a large drum and a kulantir – one ancak kenong with three blades, a kecrek, a kempul suspended from a hanger, and a gong gong or gong angkong.

Based on the book, Betawi Cultural Congress published by the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Culture Office (2011), it is explained that the three-legged kenong is usually played by two people. The one who beats the kenong is called "ngenong", and the other one who beats the side, namely the kenceng, is called "ngenceng".

Gamelan Topeng is a simplification of the complete gamelan. This happens because as a folk performing art, gamelan Topeng is often performed from one place to another on the same day, so it is very inconvenient to carry all the complete equipment.

In performing arts, each strain of gamelan Topeng music has its sign. The beating of the first group marks the start of the show. Then, a single string of fiddle called "arangan" is intended to collect panjal that is not ready. Then proceed with tetolu to attract the attention of the audience which is done extra hard. After tetolu continued with a preliminary performance; in the form of dances with gamelan accompaniment. This is followed by a play performed by a bodor. After that, the play was performed. At each turn of the round, gamelan is beaten, to give a sense of movement and storyline.

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