Sadah: Aesthetical Quality of Talempong Sound– An Acoustical Study of Myth and Ontological Culture

Abstract

The goal of this research is to discover the effect of sadah (chalk) on the aesthetical quality of talempong sound (a bronze musical instrument). In order to preserve the aesthetical quality of talempong sound, talempong elders in Minangkabau use a solution of sadah (a type of chalk commonly used in betel chewing). The sadah solution is smeared onto the inside of the talempong – the resonating chamber –to achieve a particular standard of aesthetical quality. Here, aesthetical quality refers to the musical taste measured and owned by talempong elders; this includes talempong as a music system and talempong as a musical system – both of which begin with form and sound. Form and sound are an inseparable unit, and for this reason the physical quality – form – of the talempong is significant in obtaining a talempong sound with a particular aesthetical quality. The significance of aesthetical quality is determined by the sound colour (rono) and duration of the reverberation or sound resonating from the talempong when struck, which talempong elders call dangiang. The method used in this research combines qualitative principles with an experimental method. The experimental method is used to discover the sound quality of the talempong before and after it has been smeared with sadah.

Keywords: sadah, aesthetical quality, talempong sound, acoustic

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/75-02

Publication date: August 31^st 2019