Tembang Sunda is sung poetry, an aristocratic pastime that developed in the 19th century. It is accompanied by zithers and bamboo flute. Typically a suite of tembang Sunda songs begins with several recitative-like songs in free rhythm, and concludes with a metrical piece, imitative of gamelan.Kacapi are a family of zithers which are to gamelan much as the piano is to the orchestra in Western music. Many gamelan pieces can be played by small chamber groups combining melodic instruments and kacapi. Perhaps its most important role is for accompanying singing.
The kacapi indung is a large boat-shaped zither with 18 brass strings. These are tuned by means of pegs which protrude from the side of the instrument. Fine tuning is achieved by adjusting the 18 pyramid-shaped bridges over which the strings pass. The ends of the kacapi are decorated with large scrolls. Traditionally, a mystical bond is held to exist between the kacapi and its player, sometimes consummated in a formal "marriage" ceremony.
The suling is a bamboo flute, which works on the same principle as a recorder. The air is channeled by a bamboo ring to a small fipple on the underside of the suling. It is around two feet long, with six finger-holes, and a range of some three octaves. A shorter instrument with four holes is played with gamelan degung.
See also Matt Ashworth's excellent article on Tembang Sunda and interview with Hendrawati, in Seleh Notes Vol.9 No.3.
LISTEN TO SEKAR ENGGAL perform kacapi suling (short mp3 clips)
