ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
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MUZIK PERGENDANGAN GORDANG SAMBILAN
Persatuan Penggiat Seni Budaya Daerah Gombak,
No.11 Jalan 10, Taman Selayang,
68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
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Introduction and history
Sambilan means nine, which is the number of drums in a performance of Gordang Sambilan. This drumming is a traditional art originating in Mandailing, Sumatera, Indonesia. In these days and age, gordang sambilan has become a part of Malaysian culture, performed by gordang sambilan enthusiasts in Selangor.
To play, one needs nine large, elongated drums to be played by ten people. The drums differ from one another when lined up closely. Accompanied by other instruments like gong, cak lempong, sesayak and flutes, the beating of the nine drums turn into is a delightful piece of music, resonating vivid rhythmic beats.
Gordang sambilan is played at official events, state government functions, thanksgiving, mourning and weddings. A group of dancers will dance to the drumbeats. This drumming is well received and highly acknowledged by the people of Selangor and the Selangor state government.
Gordang Sambilan Instruments
Gordang means a drum or beduk. One needs nine sizes (diameter) of drums to produce diverse depths and tones. To play, the nine drums are placed closely next to each other in a hierarchial order, smallest to largest.
The drums are long and large, made from ingul wood, coconut bark or trees, and banir roots. The body of the drum is hollowed out a piece of wood, and covering the drum head with dried cow skin. This soft leather, the jangat, is stretched and tightened with rattan and nails. Rattan and nails are used as fasteners to secure the leather in place.
There will be five to seven drummers. Low tones, produced by the smallest drum, one and two, taba-taba, and the third tone (drum) is tepe-tepe. The fourth drum is kudong-kudong, fifth kudong-kudong nabalik, sixth pasilion and the last of seven, eight, nine are jangat.
The Rythmn of Gordang Sambilan
Like other traditional instruments, the gordang sambilan beats emulate the sounds of nature.
In particular, certain melodies carry their distinctive funtions. For instance, Gondang Tor-Tor Sarama is to welcome guests and present the ulos. The tune of Gondang Moncak Silat is to motivate warriors going to war or competitions, while the Aek Magodang, to accompany celebrities or VIPs.
Generally, each melody played is of the artists’ selection and will stop upon the drummer’s instruction.
En. Roslan Bin Ahmad
Reference Source
Sumber: Temu Bual dengan Encik Roslan bin Ahmad pada 27/9/2023 bertempat di Homestay Bourgenvilla Gombak Selangor
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Ahmad Zaimy bin Mohd Yusoff
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Selangor
Tingkat 6, Menara Korporat,
Kompleks IDCC Shah Alam
Jalan Pahat L 15/L, Seksyen 15
40200 Shah Alam,
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
03-5543 1654 /1763
