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

• Dideng
• Kalinong Gedang ensemble
• musical composition
• ethnomusicology
• cultural transformation
• Indonesian music

Supporting Institution

The research team of the 2025 University of Jambi Research and Community Service Fund Grant entitled, “Development of Kalinong Gedang Ensemble Music Based on The Dideng Song Engineering in Rantau Pandan Jambi for the Advancement of National Culture”, no. 526/UN21.11/PT.01.02/2025

Project Number

526/UN21.11/PT.01.02/2025

Ethical Statement

Ethics committee approval is not required for this study

Thanks

e would also like to thank Mrs. Jariah, the singer Dideng in Rantau Pandan, Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, who has provided information and performed Dideng songs to us with pleasure. Likewise, we would like to express our gratitude to all musicians and observers of the musical composition performance “Endless longing” who have given their suggestions. Hopefully what has been given will be beneficial for our common progress. We expressed its first thanks to the Rector of the University of Jambi through the Head of the Center for Research and Community Service.

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