Wan Nor Alia Wan Ali | 13 February 2025
If you have a deep appreciation for heritage and traditional arts, Malay music ensemble Gangsapura invites you to discover the rich cultural tapestry of Kuala Lumpur through the mesmerizing sounds of gamelan.
Founded in 2016 by husband and wife duo Teuku Umar Ilany and Nur Diyana Nadira, Gangsapura takes its name from "gangsa" (bronze) and "pura" (city), symbolising its mission to be a sanctuary for traditional music. Inspired by the time-honoured legacy of gamelan, an ensemble of percussive instruments such as metallophones, gongs and drums, Gangsapura is dedicated to reviving and preserving this centuries-old art form.
With fewer young musicians taking up gamelan these days, Gangsapura bridges the past and present by infusing contemporary elements into its performances, ensuring that this treasured heritage continues to resonate with younger generations.
Umar, who is a lecturer and an expert in gamelan music at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) – one of Malaysia's leading arts institutions – shares some insights into the origins of gamelan. He feels it is so important to understand the history of genre before attempting to learn how to play its instruments.
Gamelan originated from the Riau-Lingga archipelago. Various types of gamelan existed before the emergence of Malay Gamelan, such as Balinese Gamelan and Javanese Gamelan.
Initially, gamelan music was played as an accompaniment to dance performances. Umar explained that Tengku Ampuan Mariam, a princess from Pahang, was taught these dances by her mother. The influence of this music was later introduced to the palace courts in Terengganu when Tengku Ampuan Mariam married Prince Tengku Sulaiman of Terengganu, who was also passionate about dance and music.
At that time, gamelan instruments were redesigned to match traditional Malay aesthetics and sounds, making them unique and distinct from other gamelan styles. The arrangement of the music was also altered, resulting in the melodies we hear today.
"Although gamelan has been present in the Malay peninsula for a long time, Malay Gamelan was rediscovered in 1966. After Malaya gained independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman ordered a search for lost Malay traditions. Tan Sri Mubin Sheppard, who was the Director of the National Museum at the time, travelled across the country for this task, including to Istana Kolam in Terengganu. During his search, he discovered several sets of beautifully preserved musical instruments that had been kept hidden by the Queen, Tengku Ampuan Mariam," Umar explained.
"After much persuasion, the Queen revealed that these instruments were part of the Malay Gamelan, which had been banned since the war in 1942. From that moment on, gamelan was reintroduced to the public and has since become a proud artistic heritage of the nation," he added.
A gamelan ensemble consists of seven different instruments, each producing unique sounds.
“The keromong consists of ten small knobbed gongs arranged on a wooden frame. It carries the decorative melody, weaving intricate musical patterns throughout the piece. The gambang, crafted from wooden slats, is played with both hands to produce flowing, elaborate melodies. Complementing this are the saron besar and saron kecil – metallophones that play the core melody, anchoring the ensemble’s sound. The kenong, a set of horizontal gongs, punctuates the music at key moments, marking important structural points. A pair of gongs – one large, one small – serves as the musical timekeepers, signaling the cyclical nature of the composition. Finally, the gendang, a double-headed drum, drives the rhythm and gives the ensemble its pulse,” Diyana explained.
According to Gangsapura, gamelan is both majestic and mystical – not only in its sound but also in its physical design. Playing in a gamelan ensemble involves observing certain traditions and etiquette. One must never step over the instruments, as a show of respect for the art form. Players should always sit cross-legged while playing, even when handling the large gong. When moving around the gamelan set, it is important to walk slowly and mindfully, reminding everyone to be cautious and to avoid bumping into or damaging the instruments. Finally, all instruments should be stored properly after use, ensuring they remain organised and well-maintained.
Umar also shared how his love for gamelan first began. At just seven years old, he was captivated by the sound and beauty of the instruments. Today, he hopes to pass on that passion to others, inspiring a wider appreciation for gamelan among the public.
"I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the joy of playing gamelan. I also feel it is my responsibility to share whatever knowledge I have about Malay Gamelan with everyone because many are unaware of its existence," Umar said.
"When we learn about our own traditional arts, we begin to better understand our origins and culture. From one interest, we might soon develop an appreciation for other aspects of our culture," Umar enthusiastically said.
Wan Nor Alia Wan Ali | 13 February 2025
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