Bengawan Solo is composed by Gesang Martohartoeno in 1940, piercing into the heart of many over the decades. The original is usually played as a keroncong or kroncong orchestra, of which the traditional ensemble consists of a flute, a violin or a pair of kroncongs, a cello in pizzicato style, string bass in pizzicato style, and a vocalist. A keroncong is also an ukulele-style instrument.
The tune is both soothing & glorious, evoking a much simpler lifestyle for the inhabitants near the rivers in Solo in Javanese island.
Sharing 2 simple versions on wood pallet & strings, and its simple piano sheet arrangement.
Please note the music sheet is personally arranged & shared for educational & personal entertainment purposes. Please use these personal shared items responsibly and not to use these commercially.
Lyrics
| Bengawan Solo, riwayatmu dulu | River of Solo, your past history |
| Sedari dulu jadi perhatian insani | Realising then to be people’s attention |
| Musim kemarau tak berapa airmu | During times of drought, you have not much water |
| Di musim hujan air meluap sampai jauh | During rainy season, water overflows far away |
| Mata airmu dari Solo, terkurung Gunung Seribu | Your tears from Solo, imprisoned in thousands of mountains |
| Air mengalir sampai jauh akhirnya ke laut | Water flows far towards the sea |
| Itu perahu riwayatnya dulu | That boat, its past history |
| Kaum pedagang s’lalu naik itu perahu | The merchants always take the boat |
Cheng's Musings 