Gambang kromong ensemble lives on

According to ethnomuscologist Philip Yampolski, gambang kromong refers to a type of ensemble based in and around Jakarta, that combines Indonesian and Chinese instruments and styles. Its name derives from two instruments: the gambang, a xylophone, and the kromong, a set of kettle-gongs on a rack. These are combined with instruments from China: a two-stringed fiddle and a side-blown flute. The remaining instruments in the core ensemble are percussion (hanging gongs, drums and a set of clashing metal plates). Male and female singers, who sing lyrics in the popular Malay verse form of pantun, round out the ensemble.

The music is currently performed by groups who live on the outskirts of Jakarta. These ensembles accompany dancing at Peranakan weddings and other family celebrations. They also provide the soundtrack for a form of popular theater called lenong.

Source: Yampolsky, Philip. Recording notes to Music from the Outskirts of Jakarta: Gambang Kromong Music of Indonesia.

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