Sumber :
https://tirto.id/gi9B
https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambang_keromong#:~:text=Sebutan%20gambang%20kromong
%20diambil%20dari,masa%20jabatan%201736%2D1740).
English Ver :
Gambang kromong (or written gambang keromong) is a type of orchestra that combines
gamelan with Chinese musical instruments, such as sukong, tehyan, and kongahyan. The
name xylophone kromong is taken from the names of two percussion instruments,
namely the xylophone and the kromong. The beginning of the formation of the xylophone
kromong orchestra cannot be separated from a Chinese community leader who was
appointed by the Dutch (Chinese captain) named Nie Hoe Kong (term 1736-1740).
Gambang blades totaling 18 pieces, usually made of suangking wood, huru batu,
manggarawan or other types of wood that make a soft sound when hit. Kromong is
usually made of bronze or iron, totaling 10 pieces (ten pencon). The scale used in the
xylophone kromong is the Chinese pentatonic scale, which is often called the Chinese
salendro or salendro mandalungan. The instruments on the xylophone kromong consist of
xylophone, kromong, gongs, drums, flutes, kecrek, and sukong, tehyan, or kongahyan as
melodic carriers.
The Gambang Kromong Orchestra is a harmonious blend of indigenous elements with
Chinese elements. Physically, Chinese elements can be seen in stringed instruments,
namely sukong, tehyan, and kongahyan. The combination of these two cultural elements
can also be seen in the repertoire of his songs.
Gambang kromong is Betawi music that is most evenly distributed in the Betawi cultural
area, both in the DKI Jakarta area and in the surrounding area (Jabotabek). If there are
more peranakan Chinese in the local Betawi community, there will also be more
gambang kromong orchestra groups. In North Jakarta and West Jakarta, for example,
there are more gambang kromong groups than in South Jakarta and East Jakarta.[3]
Today there is also the term "combination xylophone kromong". The combination
xylophone kromong is the gambang kromong orchestra whose instruments are added or
combined with modern Western musical instruments such as melodic guitar, bass, guitar,
organ, saxophone, drums and so on, resulting in the change from the pentatonic to
diatonic barrel without being bothersome. This does not reduce the distinctive sound of
the xylophone kromong itself, and the songs played are carried out naturally and not
forced.
The term xylophone kromong is taken from the names of two percussion or percussion
instruments, namely the xylophone and the kromong. xylophone musical instruments
made of wood lined up as many as 18 pieces, while Kromong musical instruments made
of bronze or iron, totaling 10 pieces.
This musical ensemble developed among the Chinese Benteng community (the term for
“indigenous Chinese”), as a banquet to welcome guests. As the name implies, the art of
Gambang Kromong uses two main musical instruments, namely the xylophone and a set
of kromong. Both are always accompanied by other instruments or musical instruments
as complementary, namely: su-kong, teh-hian, kong-a-hian, bangsing (flute), gong, drum,
kecrek (pan), and ningnong (sio-lo). Lance Castle, in his writings in the Indonesian
Magazine I (1967) quoted by Sukotjo said, as a traditional music, Gambang Kromong
functions as a ritual enlivener for weddings, circumcision, vows/votives, and others,
which are still related to other events. culture in Betawi society. For example, in a
Chinese Benteng wedding, it is usually celebrated with Gambang Kromong music. The
implementation of marriage in the Fort Chinese community according to local beliefs is
very good if it is carried out in the sixth month of the count of the Chinese New Year.
The wedding party can be held at the wedding house or at the bride's house for two days
and two nights. The songs presented in the event consisted of instrumental and lyrical
songs which were enlivened by cokek (dancing/dancing). The presentation of Gambang
Kromong music is intended to entertain the guests present. There is also a seijit (birthday)
ceremony held at the Topekong (temple), where Gambang Kromong music is used to
enliven the event. Seijit Topekong (the birthday of the temple) is an event to
commemorate the establishment of a Topekong (temple). In addition, the musical
Gambang Kromong can also be used to accompany the Lenong theatre. In fact, the
accompaniment of Gambang Kromong in Lenong can bring its own character to life in
the theatrical art. The atmosphere of this theatrical performance is brought to life by the
spontaneous beats played by the players. Many of the songs performed in the show sing
traditional Betawi songs, so that they can support the atmosphere in a scene through the
musical illustrations.