UGM students try `lesung' in percussion show
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.