What is Gamelan?
Gamelan is the traditional ensemble music of Java and Bali in Indonesia, made up predominantly of percussive instruments. The most common instruments used are metallophones played by mallets and a set of hand-played drums called kendhang, which register the beat. Other instruments include xylophones, bamboo flutes, a bowed instrument called a rebab, and even vocalists called sindhen.
History of Gamelan
Gamelan predates the Hindu-Buddhist culture that dominated Indonesia in its earliest records and instead represents a native artform. Its origins are mysterious, steeped in myth and lore, and its music is an essential part of Indonesian identity.
The Gamelan Orchestra
A typical gamelan ensemble can have many instruments, and it's considered a full gamelan orchestra. Unlike the Western orchestra, each ensemble is unique, often being crafted specifically to accompany the traditional dances or ceremonies of the region.
What's fascinating about gamelan is the communal and participatory nature of its music, with parts interlocking in complex rhythms and harmonies that create a transcendent listening experience.