Introduction to Gamelan Music

Gamelan (pronounced as gum-may-land) is a form of unique and exotic music originating in the islands of Indonesia in South East Asia. It is an enchanting orchestra which includes gongs, chimes, xylophones, flutes and drums. Gamelan is used to accompany both traditional and modern dances, drama, theatrical and puppetry in court, temple, and village rituals.

Gamelan music is performed as a group effort, and so there is no place for an individual showoff or soloist. It is played on an orchestra consisting primarily of metal-keyed percussion instruments ("metallophones") and gongs, but also including hand or stick drums, flutes, and occasionally also bowed instruments and bamboo rattles.

Music and the gamelan ensembles are a natural and intrinsic part of Indonesian culture. Musicians always take their shoes off when playing, and never step over the gamelan. It can be regarded as a sign of respect and appreciation or could have been an artistic expression to some.

Javanese gamelan is more traditional and suited to palaces and temples, it is a gentler and lower pitched style of gamelan that accommodates vocalists and rhythmic patterns. Javanese gamelans frequently include singers, while Balinese gamelans consist exclusively of percussion instruments.

Balinese gamelan is often much louder, and more flamboyant and dramatic, but also includes quieter, contemplative pieces. Balinese Gamelan has a characteristic 'shimmering' sound which is due to the detuning of paired instruments playing the same musical part. Balinese gamelan is native to the island of Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesian music is often organized such that the lower registers provide the form, the middle registers are the melody, and embellishment is done through the higher registers. Indonesian tunings don't correspond with those in the West. Central Java is one of the most highly populated areas in the world and has the most artifacts and stories related to the origins of the gamelan.

Here’s a clip of a very nice Gamelan performance.