Indonesian Music
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The gamelan or “ensemble” is the form of orchestra used in traditional Indonesian music. The ensemble is made up of mostly drums, gongs, and idiophones. Following the national idea of the “Unity in Diversity” and the belief of spirit of cooperation, gamelan music is characterized by the interlocking parts, multiple textures, and cyclic music forms. Gamelan instruments are always played together as they are tuned to themselves only. When playing in the gamelan, the instruments are played barefoot sitting on mats. The instruments of a gamelan are handmade and most are made out of bronze. Bronze is the symbol of wealth among the traditional Indonesian cultures.
Goong
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A knob gong that is struck with a padded stick to produce a low pitch sound. It is used to keep the entire ensemble in sync.
Kempul
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A smaller version of the goong which produces a higher pitch.
Saron
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A six or seven keyed metallophone made of wood. The keys of the saron are made of metal and when stuck, the metal resonates within the wooden frame.
Bonang
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A gong chime that is supported by ropes on a frame.
Gambang
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A xylophone in which the player strikes with 2 padded sticks.
Gendang
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Two headed barrel-shaped drums which controls the tempo and directs the gamelan.
Sacred Music
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Although most of Indonesia is Muslim, the presence of cultural sacred music is present amongst the islands. One instance of this sacred music can be seen among the Balinese whom worship the Agama Trita or the Holy Water Religion which combines religious influence from animistic Indonesian beliefs with Hinduism and Buddhism.
An example Balinese scared music would be the Kecak. The Kecak performance is an enactment of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. The Kecak is a vocal performance in which up to a hundred men participants enter a trance-like state. The vocal performance is done with a rhythmic chorus with the vocal syllable “chak” accompanied by different gamelan instruments. The performance is also reflects traditional Indonesian music with the idea of interlocking parts within the verbal chorus.
The gamelan ensemble is also played during Hindu-Balinese funerals which are called the Beleganjur. The Beleganjur ensemble is played during this event to keep peace with the dead and scare away the evil spirits.
An example Balinese scared music would be the Kecak. The Kecak performance is an enactment of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. The Kecak is a vocal performance in which up to a hundred men participants enter a trance-like state. The vocal performance is done with a rhythmic chorus with the vocal syllable “chak” accompanied by different gamelan instruments. The performance is also reflects traditional Indonesian music with the idea of interlocking parts within the verbal chorus.
The gamelan ensemble is also played during Hindu-Balinese funerals which are called the Beleganjur. The Beleganjur ensemble is played during this event to keep peace with the dead and scare away the evil spirits.
Secular Music
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Beleganjur music was performed not only for sacred rituals but also during wars. The music glorified the warring kingdoms and gave a sense of heroism among the warriors. Now, Beleganjur music is performed competitively and to display creative skills. This new purpose of the traditional gamelan music is called the Kreasi or lomba beleganjur. These contests brings gamelan ensembles from all across Indonesia and each performance are scared based on their forms, showmanship, and originality.