Calung

A Calung can either refer to a bamboo xylophone instrument or an ensemble. The Calung (instrument) consists of multiple bamboo tubes which are struck at the base to produce a woody sound. In Balinese culture, the Calung is actually a metallophonic instrument that has a one-octave range, and is generally utilized to play mid-range melodies. In Banyumas, southwestern Central Java in Indonesia, when Calung is referred to as an ensemble, it uses multiple bamboo instruments and is composed of singers and dancers. The ensemble is characterized by a variety of traits that include: interlocking melodies and rhythm, abrupt changes in tempo, as well as syncopated rhythm and humorous vocals. Calung (the ensemble) is present at many celebratory gatherings, and its dancers are sometimes related to prostitution.

Construction/Design

The Calung works by cutting away multiple pieces of bamboo tubes to create a pitch when struck. To make the Calung in the Sundanese tradition, a set of bamboo tubes are strung together through holes cut into the tubes. You are then able to play the Calung either suspended; you play the tubes while they are in hanging in front of you, or you can put them across a bamboo frame and play it like a xylophone.