Keroncong Music

          Derived from similar roots keroncong Portuguese music known as fado is introduced by the sailors and the slave trade ship that nation since the 16th century to the archipelago. From mainland India (Goa) sign in this music the first time in Malacca and then played by the slaves of the Moluccas.
          The weakening influence of the Portuguese in the 17th century in the archipelago does not necessarily mean the loss of this music anyway. This early form of music called Moresco, accompanied by a stringed musical instrument. Keroncong music emanating from the monument called the monument keroncong.
          During its development, it makes a number of traditional elements of the archipelago, such as the use of the flute as well as some components of the gamelan. At about the 19th century musical form of this mixture has been popular in many places in the archipelago, even down to the Malay peninsula.
          This golden era continued until sometime in the 1960s, and then faded due to the entry of a wave of popular music (rock music that developed since 1950, and victories Beatle music and the like since 1961 until now). Nevertheless, keroncong music still played and enjoyed by the various walks of life in Indonesia and Malaysia until now. 




Tools music used Keroncong
 
          In its earliest form, Moresco music accompanied by strings, like a violin, ukulele, and cello. Percussion is also sometimes used. Set the orchestra of this kind still used by keroncong monument, which still form keroncong played by the community of Portuguese descendants of slaves who lived in Kampung Ambon Monument, North Jakarta. 


Pem-"native"-an art making keroncong mixture, with musical instruments such as:

• Indian sitar
• Fiddle
• Bamboo flute
• Drums, kenong, and saron as a set of gamelan
• Gong.

Today, musical instruments used in orchestras keroncong include:

• Choke ukulele, strings 3 (nylon), tone sequence is G, B and E;
• Cak ukulele, strings 4 (steel), tone sequence A, D, Fis, and B. So when the other instruments playing scales C, cak playing on the F scales (known as in F);
• Acoustic guitar (Ukulele and Guitar replace the Sitar);
• Violin (replacing fiddle);
• Flut (replacing the Bamboo Flute);
• Cello;
• Contrabass (replacing Gong).

          Rhythm keeper held by the ukulele and bass. Guitars and cello set the transition chords. Violin melody serves as a guide, as well as decoration / ornament. Flut filling ornaments, floating melodies fill the empty space.
          Keroncong form mixed with popular music now using organ and synthesizer to accompany the song keroncong.
 

Figure Keroncong 

          Indonesia one of the characters who have a considerable contribution in raising keroncong music is the father Gesang. The man from the city of Surakarta (Solo) this year to even get any compensation from the Japanese government for successfully introducing keroncong music there. One of the most famous song is the Solo River. Because of that dedication, by Gesang nicknamed "Crocodile Keroncong" by human keroncong Indonesia, called for an expert keroncong music.

 
"Buaya Keroncong"
 
          The origins of the name "Buaya Keroncong" range in his songs, Solo. Solo is the name of a river in the area of ​​Surakarta. As is known, has a crocodile in the swamp and river habitats. Largest reptile was almost invincible in their habitat, because it becomes a vicious predator. Such presuppositions that underlie why Gesang referred to as the "Buaya Keroncong".




"Bengawan Solo"

          Bengawan Solo, the song was created in 1940 by Gesang, when he was 23 years old. Gesang young when it was sitting on the edge of the Solo River. He is always amazed by the river, was inspired to create a song. This song creation process takes about 6 months.
Solo song also has its own popularity abroad, especially in Japan. Solo was used in one of the Japanese movies.
           Or full Martohartono Gesang Gesang (born in Surakarta, Central Java, October 1, 1917, age 92 years) is a singer and songwriter from Indonesia. Known as the "maestro keroncong Indonesia," he became famous through the song Solo creations, which is famous in Asia, especially in Indonesia and Japan. The song 'Solo' creations have been translated into at least 13 languages ​​(including English, Chinese, and Japanese).