Research Article

Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: April 20, 2026
EN TR

Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music

Abstract

This study aims to examine the musical characteristics of the Dideng tradition from the Jambi region of Indonesia and, on the basis of these characteristics, to develop a new musical composition for the Kalinong Gedang ensemble. The main premise of the study is that Dideng constitutes a distinctive musical resource in terms of its melodic structure, vocal timbre, melodic contour, grenek ornamentations, and pitch intervals. The research employed a two-stage methodology. In the first stage, an ethnomusicological approach was used to investigate the performance practice of Dideng in Rantau Pandan through fieldwork, observation, interviews, recording, analysis, and studio-based study. In the second stage, the findings were translated into a new musical composition through a creative process of composition for the Kalinong Gedang ensemble. This process involved identifying the research findings, designing the product, developing new procedures, conducting systematic trials, carrying out evaluation and refinement, and ensuring that criteria of effectiveness were met. The findings indicate that Dideng is well suited to the creation of new compositions due to its fixed pitch organization, distinctive melodic contour, characteristic vocal timbre, and structural compatibility with the sound system of the Kalinong Gedang ensemble. In response to this musical potential, a new work entitled Endless Longing (Rindu Tak Bertepi), which explores a theme of spiritual and inner longing, was composed. This work was specifically structured, transcribed, and performed for the Kalinong Gedang ensemble. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that a local vocal tradition can be transformed, through a contemporary compositional approach, into a new form of ensemble music. The research contributes to the development of Jambi’s musical heritage, the enrichment of Indonesian national culture, and the advancement of music education and creative ethnic music production.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Musicology and Ethnomusicology

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

April 20, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

November 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 15, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Bahar, M., Gunawan, I., Hasan, U., Handayani, L., & Irianto, I. S. (2026). Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music. Rast Musicology Journal, Advanced Online Publication, 289-312. https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ
AMA
1.Bahar M, Gunawan I, Hasan U, Handayani L, Irianto IS. Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music. RMJ. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication):289-312. https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ
Chicago
Bahar, Mahdi, Indra Gunawan, Uswan Hasan, Lusi Handayani, and Ikhsan Satria Irianto. 2026. “Endless Longing: A New Dideng-Based Composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble As a Contribution to Indonesian Music”. Rast Musicology Journal, no. Advanced Online Publication: 289-312. https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ.
EndNote
Bahar M, Gunawan I, Hasan U, Handayani L, Irianto IS (April 1, 2026) Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music. Rast Musicology Journal Advanced Online Publication 289–312.
IEEE
[1]M. Bahar, I. Gunawan, U. Hasan, L. Handayani, and I. S. Irianto, “Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music”, RMJ, no. Advanced Online Publication, pp. 289–312, Apr. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ
ISNAD
Bahar, Mahdi - Gunawan, Indra - Hasan, Uswan - Handayani, Lusi - Irianto, Ikhsan Satria. “Endless Longing: A New Dideng-Based Composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble As a Contribution to Indonesian Music”. Rast Musicology Journal. Advanced Online Publication (April 1, 2026): 289-312. https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ.
JAMA
1.Bahar M, Gunawan I, Hasan U, Handayani L, Irianto IS. Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music. RMJ. 2026;:289–312.
MLA
Bahar, Mahdi, et al. “Endless Longing: A New Dideng-Based Composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble As a Contribution to Indonesian Music”. Rast Musicology Journal, no. Advanced Online Publication, Apr. 2026, pp. 289-12, https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ.
Vancouver
1.Mahdi Bahar, Indra Gunawan, Uswan Hasan, Lusi Handayani, Ikhsan Satria Irianto. Endless Longing: A new Dideng-based composition for the Kalinong Gedang Ensemble as a contribution to Indonesian Music. RMJ [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 1;(Advanced Online Publication):289-312. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA47RP69UJ

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