Gong

What it means

A gong is a large, usually round bronze disc with a turned-over rim that is struck while hanging freely with a soft mallet. Two basic types are distinguished: gongs with a clearly audible pitch, often with a boss in the middle, and flat instruments without determinable pitch, for which the name tam-tam is often used in European usage. The sound develops slowly, still grows after the strike, and rings on for a very long time; depending on striking point and mallet it ranges from dark rumbling to shimmering wash.

In the notation

The gong is notated in a percussion line, with tuned instruments also with a concrete pitch. Indications of mallet, striking point, and duration are important; a tie with laissez vibrer lets the sound stand, a damping sign ends it. Rolls are written with tremolo strokes.

Musical use

In numerous musical traditions of East and Southeast Asia, gongs are central instruments; in the gamelan they articulate the musical form. In European orchestral music they appear since the late eighteenth century and serve above all solemn, menacing, or caesura-like moments. Their effect is great and is therefore dosed sparingly; a single stroke shapes whole sections. Because the sound reaches its full strength only gradually, the entry must be thought out ahead in time.

Performance practice

Do not strike exactly in the middle but somewhat off-centre, and use a heavy, soft mallet; hard mallets produce an unpleasant slap. For quiet entries it helps to warm the instrument up beforehand slightly, that is, to set it vibrating with very gentle strokes, so that it responds at once. Damp with hands or body from the bottom upward and in good time, because the decay is very long. Watch for a free suspension — if the rim touches the stand, incidental noises arise. Transport large gongs upright and protected, since dents permanently change the sound.

Remember that large gongs store considerable energy and can continue to vibrate after damping: plan the stopping earlier than the score suggests, and damp in several steps so that no audible choking arises. Watch your own stance, because the instrument is heavy and gives way at the strike. Before the performance, check whether stand and hooks are noise-free. In the orchestra, settle the position: a gong behind the brass acts differently from one at the side.