This study aims to examine the rangkep rhythmic pattern in Surakarta-style gending through an analysis of garap and the social meanings embedded in mirunggan performances. The study employs representation theory to understand how rangkep serves as a symbol of cultural values, alongside garap theory, creativity theory in karawitan musicality, cultural development theory, and rasa theory. Data were collected through a literature review, participant observation of mirunggan performances, audiovisual documentation, musical transcription, and in-depth interviews with pengrawit and sindhen. The analysis was conducted by relating the results of garap transcriptions of balungan, kendhangan, and vocal parts to emic narratives and the broader social context. The findings indicate that rangkep functions not only as a musical strategy that expands the scope of expression but also represents sacredness, collective identity, and solidarity within Javanese society. Its use in mirunggan performances demonstrates the interconnectedness of musical creativity, rasa experience, and cultural values embedded in the community. Thus, rangkep constitutes both a musical phenomenon and a cultural practice that reflects the close relationship between musical structure, aesthetic experience, and social meaning.
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