Gongs in Orchestral Accompaniment

Opera gongs range in size from 7" to 12", with the larger of the pair about one or two inches larger than the smaller. Richard Wagner was one of the first composers to use gongs in his works. Within a few decades the gong became an important member of the percussion section of a modern symphony orchestra. Fine examples of its use are demonstrated in the symphonies of Gustav Mahler and Dmitri Shostakovich. In some operas, especially the Oriental counterparts of modern orchestras, gongs are used in as musical score. The larger gong is used to announce the entrance of major players, mostly men. The smaller gong however is used to announce the entry of lesser players, who are mostly women. While the larger gongs are used to identify points of drama and consequence their smaller siblings are struck to identify points of humor.