Portal:Indonesia/AOTW/24, 2007



A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesian origin typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings, and vocalists may also be included. A gamelan as a set of instruments is a distinct entity, built and tuned to stay together — instruments from different gamelan are not interchangeable. The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer.

Gamelan are found in the Indonesian islands of Java, Madura, Bali, and Lombok (and other Sunda Islands), in a wide variety of ensemble sizes and formations. In Bali and Lombok today, and in Java through the 18th century, the term "gong" has been preferred to or synonymous with gamelan. Traditions of gamelan-like ensembles also exist in the Philippines, Malaysia and Suriname, sometimes due to emigration, trade, or diplomacy.

In Indonesia, gamelan usually accompanies dance, wayang puppet performances, or rituals and ceremonies. Typically, players in the gamelan will be familiar with dance moves and poetry, while dancers are able to play in the ensemble. In wayang, the dalang ("puppeteer") must have a thorough knowledge of gamelan, as he gives the cues for the music. Gamelan can be performed by itself - in klenengan style, or for radio broadcasts - but concerts in the Western style are not traditional.(Read more...)