Malay Gamelan

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The Malay gamelan musicians with their instruments
The Malay gamelan musicians with their instruments

The Malay gamelan which exists today in Malaysia is basically from the courts of Pahang and Terengganu. Although originated from the land of Java, Indonesia, the Malay gamelan has developed a distinct identity compared to the Javanese, Balinese and Sundanese gamelan from Indonesia.

The Malay gamelan is usually played at royal occasions during the reign of Sultan Ahmad of Pahang (1882-1914) and Sultan Sulaiman of Terengganu (1920-1942). A set of Malay gamelan consists 7 basic instruments, which are:

1. 2 Sarons (metallophone); namely Saron Baron and Saron Demong/Demung

2. Gambang (a wooden xylophone)

3. Keromong, also known as Bonang (a set of 10 small kettle gongs)

4. Kenong (a set of 5 large kettle gongs)

5. A pairs of gongs

6. Gendang (drum)

Dancers performing a Malay gamelan dance
Dancers performing a Malay gamelan dance

This best royal kept secret was first brought to Kuala Lumpur on 1969 in a public performance. Since then, it has become a part of the Malaysian arts and cultural heritage.