Profile of the Gong

Name of Instrument:

Gong

Family:

Percussion

How to Play:

Gongs are struck at the center with a mallet or a leather or felt-covered beater. The sound it produces may or may not be pitched and it is made of metal in a circular shape with the rims turned-down. Gongs may be bossed or unbossed and the rims may either be deep or shallow. Gongs are used as song and dance accompaniment and also in theatres. The tam-tam (flat Chinese gong) is used in Western orchestras.

First Known Gongs:

Gongs may have originated from Southeast Asia or the Middle East. In 6th century AD China, pictures of gong-like instruments were present. The word gong is Javanese and it was used in Java during the 9th century. In Wiltshire, England a Roman gong dating back to the 1st or 2nd century AD was found. In China, gongs are a symbol of prosperity.

Musicians Who Used Gongs:

François Joseph Gossec was the first one who used the tam-tam in Western orchestra. George Crumb also used the tam-tam in modern music.

Additional Resource About Gongs:

Gongs