History of gender
in Percussion instruments
Gender is an Indonesian percussion instrument. It consists of a wooden frame, decorated with carvings, and ten convex metal bars-plates to which resonator tubes made of bamboo are suspended. Between the bars are pegs that attach the cord to the wooden frame. The cord, in turn, holds the bars in one position, thus creating a kind of keyboard. Under the bars are resonator tubes that amplify the sound after hitting them with a wooden mallet with a rubber tip. The sound of the bars can be stopped if necessary. To do this, just touch them with the edge of the palm of your hand or your finger. The size of the tool varies depending on the variety. Mostly compact 1 meter long and 50 centimeters wide.Gender has an ancient history that spans more than one century. It is generally accepted that similar tools could have appeared among the peoples of Southeast Asia one and a half thousand years ago. The instrument requires a virtuoso mastery of technique and quick hand movements from the musician. Gender can be both a solo instrument and one of the main elements in the composition of the Indonesian gamelan orchestra. Unlike its predecessor, the gambang, gender is distinguished by a soft timbre and a range of up to three octaves.
