Performance

The name of this piece is “Lancaran Singo Nebah (an angry lion) laras pelog”

In this video, the kendhang ageng is played with a kendhang ketipung and a slentum, unlike in regular performances with various instruments.

Beating way, the right hand.

Beating way, the left hand.

“Lancaran Singo Nebah laras pelog” with regular ensemble instrumentation.

https://www.geidai.ac.jp/labs/koizumi/asia/jp/indonesia/jawa/Jawa_gamelan_SNp010.html

“Lancaran Singo Nebah laras slendro” with regular ensemble instrumentation.

https://www.geidai.ac.jp/labs/koizumi/asia/jp/indonesia/jawa/Jawa_gamelan_SNs010.html

How to play the kendhang ageng

Different beating ways create different tones. The name of the instrument is said to come from the onomatopoeic sound of percussion.

“Da”, strike the membrane near the rim with one’s right hand.  

“Tung”, whlie press the membrane with one’s right wrist, strike the center of the membrane with the fingers of one’s right hand.

“Tat”, strike the center of the membrane with one’s left hand, at this time, hold the right membrane with one’s right hand so that it does not resonate.

“Tong”, strike the membrane near the rim with one’s right hand fingers,

Membrane adjustment

Before playing, tighten the cords around the resonator which lace the both membranes to keep them taut. Leave the straps loose when not playing.

Instrument name

“Kengdhang” usually means “drums”, while originaly means making a “dhang” sound.
“Ageng” means large.
It’s a “large” drum that makes a “dhang” sound, so it’s called “kengdhang”.