UGM students try `lesung' in percussion show

Leo Wahyudi S, Contributor, Jakarta

Most young people, particularly those living in big cities, have never seen a lesung (wooden mortar for pounding rice). But in the hands of 10 students of the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, the device, mostly used by farmers, is transformed into an experimental musical instrument.

Entitled Ketoprak Lesung -- Ketoprak, a form of Javanese drama depicting historical or pseudo-historical events -- the performance at Warung Apresiasi cafe in Bulungan, South Jakarta, last weekend managed to draw the attention of cafe visitors.

They were entranced by the combination of the breaking beat from the lesung, jimbe (African drum) and gendang (traditional drum) accompanying folk songs from various regions.

The performers, who were in their 20s and clad in black attire, sat cross-legged on the stage to explore an alternative to mainstream modern music.

The group's conductor Toying Harwulan, a student of the university's school of law, said the group preferred to use various kinds of percussion instruments as percussion was the oldest musical instrument. Besides it was perfect to accompany such contemporary music.

"I have discovered a lot a beats using percussion instruments that I have never got from any form of modern music," he said.

Toying, who also arranged all the songs performed that night, said by combining percussion instruments he could explore a point of harmony between two opposites. Life always has two opposing absolutes such as joy and sorrow, rich and poor, modern and traditional, and so with music.

"I want to discover the harmony in the gray area between the two extremes," he said adding that this has inspired his musical arrangements.

Javanese folk song Padang Bulan (Bright Moonlight), in Toying's arrangement, had visitors moving their heads upon hearing the song.

During the one-hour performance, the group also performed, among others, Mo Li Hwa, a Chinese folk song meaning jasmine; Uya Inir, or beautiful Rini; and a poem inspired by Lao Tze's philosophy of harmonious life read by the group's manager Gati Andoko.

"Most of the songs are beautifully composed. They're very funny," said a female visitor, who declined to be named.

Clumsy pronunciation when performing Mo Li Hwa had the visitors breaking into laughter.

After the performance, the group held a dialog with visitors to get feedback on their performance. Some guests were enthusiastic in expressing their appreciation and critiquing the performance.

Toying admitted there were many weaknesses in the group's first performance. He told the audience that the group had just formed and rehearsed one week prior to its performance here.

He also strongly believes that the group's members did not only rely on their skill when playing the musical instruments but also on an inner sense.

However, the very first experience of the ensemble here has motivated him to explore more creative expositions in the future as he continues his goal of giving a contemporary touch to traditional musical instruments.