Gong ageng
Indonesian musical instrument
The gong ageng (or gong gedhe in Ngoko Javanese, meaning large gong) is an Indonesian musical instrument used in the Javanese gamelan. It is the largest of the bronze gongs in the Javanese and Balinese gamelan orchestra and the only large gong that is called gong in Javanese. Unlike the more famous Chinese or Turkish tam-tams, Indonesian gongs have fixed, focused pitch, and are dissimilar to the familiar crash cymbal sound.
The gong ageng is circular, with a conical, tapering base of diameter smaller than the gong face, with a protruding polished boss where it is struck by a padded mallet.
Gongs with a diameter as large as 135 centimeters (53 inches) have been created in the past, but gongs larger than about 80 centimeters (31 inches) are more common today, especially to suit the budget of educational institutions.
There is at least one large gong in each gamelan, but two are common and older gamelans may have three or more. Each gong ageng usually has its own name, which may be bestowed upon the entire set of instruments. The gong ageng is considered the most important instrument in a gamelan ensemble: the soul or spirit of the gamelan is said to live in the gong. Gong ageng are often proffered ritual offerings of flowers, food, and/or incense before performances or each Thursday evening to appease spirits believed to live in and around it.
Commonly, less expensive iron gong ageng or a slit-type gong are made to fulfill the role of the bronze gong for poorer regions and villages, though at the loss of sound quality.
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