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GENDANG PANJANG
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Introduction and history
The Gendang Panjang is a form of drumming music closely associated with the Thai or Siamese-descended communities. This art form was introduced to Kampung Tasek, Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, over 30 years ago and has since been actively practiced by the local Siamese community.
The Gendang Panjang holds significant cultural importance for the Siamese-descended community in Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, particularly in social, cultural, and religious contexts. This traditional music often serves as a central element in celebrations such as wedding processions, symbolizing joy and blessings for the marriage ceremony. Additionally, the Gendang Panjang is performed during processions to welcome dignitaries, with its rhythms conveying respect and celebrating the presence of honored guests.
The Gendang Panjang plays a vital role in religious events, particularly during Siamese festivals like Songkran or temple rituals, where its melodies create a solemn atmosphere and enhance spiritual values. Beyond these functions, the Gendang Panjang serves as a medium of cultural communication, uniting the community while introducing the traditional identity of the Siamese people to younger generations and broader audiences. This dual role of preserving heritage and fostering cultural exchange underscores the instrument's enduring significance.
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The Gendang Panjang performance is traditionally performed by men, who strike the drum’s single playing surface. The drum is secured to their bodies with a sling, allowing freedom of movement during the performance. The performance typically involves multiple drummers playing synchronized rhythms with overlapping beats to produce a rich and layered sound.
The repertoire includes songs such as Loy Khratong, Rambong, Caca, and Lagu Gendang Panjang. For processions welcoming dignitaries, Loy Khratong and Rambong are commonly played to evoke a sense of formality and celebration. In contrast, during wedding processions, Caca and Lagu Gendang Panjang are preferred.
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Reference Source
Bahan Bacaan
Malm, W. P. (1979). Music in Malaysia. The World of Music, 21(3), 6-18.
Ross, L. (2013). How “Traditional” are So-Called Traditions?: Three Case Studies of Malayan Folk Performance. Jurnal Pengajian Melayu, 23, 99-131.
Tassanawongwara, C. (2018). Performing Identity Through the Klong Yao Tradition Among the Siamese Community of Perlis, Malaysia (Master's thesis, University of Malaya (Malaysia).
Tassanawongwara, C., & Hussin, H. (2019). Klong yao and the Performance of Minority Identity in the Siamese Community of Perlis, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Music, 8, 1-18.
Tokoh (jika ada temu bual tokoh)
Prawat a/l Din Cheeron. Kumpulan Kesenian Siam (The Siamese Arts Group), K.24, Kampung Tasek, 33100 Pengkalan Hulu, Perak.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Yufazli Yusof
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara Perak
Kompleks JKKN Perak,
Lot 20561@20565 Jalan Caldwell,
Off Jalan Raja Di Hilir,
30350 Ipoh,
PERAK DARUL RIDZUAN
05-253 7001 / 05-254 1027