Traditional Indonesian (Gamelan) Music
Gamelan music is the most common of traditional Indonesian music. The origins of this music are unknown. According to Javanese mythology, this music came about in 230 A.D. during the Saka era. Gamelan music is created using a variety of instruments. The most commonly used are metallophones and hand drums called kendang . Other instruments that are used include xylophones, bamboo flutes, a stringed instrument called rebab and a plucked sting instrument called sitar.
Metallophones
Kendang
The overall sound differs depending on which variety of Gamelan you listen to. The tempo is set by the drum players. The Javanese gamelan has soft and gentle sounds. The Balinese is more virtuosic and rhythmic. The third variety of Gamelan, Sudanese, is primarily made up of flute instruments and is soft and slow. Vocals can accompany the instruments, but this is not common.
Performers: Gamelan Semara Ratih of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Music: Manuk Anguci, a now-classic Balinese gamelan instrumental piece
Composer: I Nyoman Senen, from the village of Pindha, Saba, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Director: Anak Agung Gede Anom Putra
Gamelan music is played at a wide variety of Indonesian events. Traditionally this would be at courts, but in modern times it is played at various community gatherings. These include: weddings, house blessings, right of passage, community entertainment, puppet shows and temple rituals.
Modern Gamelan
Modern Gamelan music has incorporated many changes. The biggest change is the fact that vocals now take the front stage. On top of that the traditional instruments like the gongs and drums are now dominated by electronic sounds. The overall soundscape takes heavy influence from the west with big punchy electronic sounds. The size of the ensemble has decreased. Now it is more common to see smaller groups similar to the size of American bands. The tempo of modern Gamelan music is much more energetic compared to traditional gamelan.
I personally like the sound of the traditional gamelan a lot more. The sound of the large metallophone ensemble creates a very melodic and relaxing sound. It has a meditative quality. It is unlike anything else. The modern Gamelan music with its westernized sounds loses this charm for me.
Sources
Szczepanski, K. (2019, June 26). Learn the history behind Gamelan, Indonesian music and dance. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-gamelan-195131
Balinese gamelan: A complete guide to a unique world of sound. Songlines. (n.d.). https://www.songlines.co.uk/features/balinese-gamelan-a-complete-guide-to-a-unique-world-of-sound
I actually really like both. The traditional instruments have an interesting sound (I especially liked the part more in the middle with the flute-type instrument). And the modern song is very creative in the incorporation of traditional instruments and adapted melodic signatures for a very characteristic sound, even within a more Western paradigm. I found the tempo of the traditional music to be quite fast -- I'm not sure I'd really think of the modern song as being much faster, though it probably depends on which part you listen to. Both remind me a lot of Indian music, which makes sense since Bali is an area that was heavily influenced by India in religion and culture. As a random sidenote, one thing that stood out to me was that in the video of traditional gamelan, all the instrumentalists were men. That was even the case in the modern song -- the vocalist was a girl, and the dancers were women, but even electronic instruments were played by men. I looked it up and it seems like women traditionally weren't allowed to perform gamelan music (only sing), though they're not as strict about it anymore.
ReplyDeleteYour display of traditional Indonesian music and the Saron instrument is captivating. As a fan of metallophones, I'm always looking for new compositions that offer a similar experience. I also enjoy cool jazz and its frequent use of vibraphone, so I was immediately drawn to the Saron when I discovered its unique qualities and similarities. The Saron's ethereal and sometimes eerie sound quality and its ability to produce a wide range of tonal colors fascinated me. Thank you for writing about this; it has uncorked a new genre for me to explore!
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting read! Good work! This is my first time ever hearing about these instruments, and I personally love how calming and collective they are. This reminds me of what good energy should sound and feel like.
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