DOI: 10.12975/rastmd.20261424 ISSN: 2147-7361

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

Mahdi Bahar, Indra Gunawan, Uswan Hasan, Lusi Handayani, Ikhsan Satria Irianto
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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.

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