Gamelan

1 collection of Indonesian musical instruments, screen and puppets for wayang kulit Mahabharata show

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Musician Borobudur

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Gamelanorkest TMnr 60015940

Nagarakertagama

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Bedoyo danseressen aan het hof van de sultan van Yogyakarta TMnr 3728-444

Gamelan is a traditional ensemble music of Java, Bali, and Lombok in Indonesia, featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings. The term "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word gamel, meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix an makes it a collective noun. Gamelan music is characterized by its intricate melodies and rhythms, and it plays a significant role in the cultural life of Indonesia, being performed at various ceremonies and celebrations, including weddings, temple ceremonies, and puppet shows.

History

The origins of gamelan music can be traced back to the Hindu-Buddhist period of Indonesian history, with significant influences from the cultural exchange between Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The ensemble's music has evolved over the centuries, incorporating elements from the Islamic period and, later, Western influences during the colonial period. Despite these influences, gamelan music has retained its distinct character and continues to be a vital part of Indonesian culture.

Instruments

Gamelan ensembles vary in size and composition, but a typical ensemble includes:

• Metallophones: Instruments such as the saron, gender, and slenthem, which have metal bars that are struck with mallets.
• Gongs: Large hanging gongs like the gong ageng, which serves as the ensemble's timekeeper, and smaller kettle gongs known as kenong and kempul.
• Drums: The kendang or drum, which directs the ensemble and cues transitions between sections of the music.
• Other instruments: These may include the rebab (a bowed string instrument), the suling (a bamboo flute), and the angklung (a bamboo rattler).

Musical Structure

Gamelan music is based on two essential scales: the five-note slendro and the seven-note pelog. These scales provide the foundation for the elaborate layers of melody and rhythm that characterize the music. The structure of a gamelan performance often follows a cyclical form, starting and ending with the same gong stroke. Melodic lines are interlocked between instruments in a technique known as kotekan, creating a complex, polyphonic texture.

Cultural Significance

Gamelan music is deeply integrated into Indonesian society and is considered a form of spiritual expression. It is often associated with shadow puppetry (wayang kulit) performances, which convey moral and philosophical stories. Gamelan is also used in the accompaniment of dance performances and religious ceremonies, serving as a medium to communicate between the human and spiritual realms.

Contemporary Gamelan

In recent years, gamelan music has gained international recognition, with ensembles forming in various parts of the world. Contemporary composers and musicians have explored the fusion of gamelan with other musical genres, creating innovative compositions that respect traditional forms while introducing new sounds and concepts.

See Also

• Music of Indonesia
• Wayang
• Kecak
• Balinese dance