Demonstration of gong tuning techniques in Pleiku City

Gong tuning is a technique of bending and adjusting to help restore sound to gongs that have lost their tone or are out of tune.

Two gong tuners from Dak Po district adjust a gong that is out of tune. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

Bahnar and Jrai artisans have taken turns "healing" ancient and improved gong sets in the spirit of learning from each other.

Kbang district artisans adjust the sound of a gong set that is out of tune. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

Researchers believe that the Bahnar and Jrai people use the largest, most magnificent gong ensembles and have the most complex orchestral structure compared to the Truong Son-Tay Nguyen ethnic groups.

The gongs of the Bahnar people are a very majestic sound system, requiring the gong tuner to have a deep understanding of music and talent. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

Adjusting gongs to restore order to the gong sounds requires folk artists to have innate talent, a deep understanding of gong music and generational experience.

Artisan Rah Lan Thang (left cover, Pleiku City) and meritorious artist Alip (Dak Doa district) discuss gong tuning techniques. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

The gong tuning performance not only contributes to preserving gongs - a unique value in the Central Highlands culture, but is also an opportunity for artisans to exchange techniques, contributing to preserving the cultural identity of the community.

Artisan Ksor Mang (right cover, Ayun Pa town) is happy when he and artisan Ksor Kok (Krong Pa district) fix the sound of the gong. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

According to the inventory results of the 2020-2021 period, Gia Lai currently preserves 4,576 sets of gongs. Gia Lai province also opened 2 classes to teach gong tuning techniques to Jrai and Bahnar artisans throughout the province under the guidance of researchers.

Artists perform the art of gong tuning. Photo: Hoang Ngoc

The combination of traditional experience and new gong tuning techniques helps artisans confidently perform techniques and pass them on to the next generation.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/trinh-dien-ky-thuat-chinh-chieng-tai-tp-pleiku-post318676.html