Indonesian/Gamelan Music

The gamelan orchestras of Indonesia feature unique instruments, each uniquely tuned, which mainly are metallaphonic (gong-like marimbas) with gongs. They can be large or small, courtly or rural, ancient or modern (made with hupcaps and other found metal). Balinese gamelans generally are more lively, uptempo, and exciting, while on Java a more sustained, intense, meditative variety endures.

Most gamelan music is religious and, at least until the mid-twentieth century, was performed in a strictly traditional way apart from particular local variations. Although sacred, the music accompanies all sorts of activities, rites, theatrical productions, and festivals with varying degrees of religious import. Additional secular music includes songs (sung, not played) of "Djanger" origin, which pertain to village reunions. The fascinating gengong, a form of mouth harp, is made from a strip of bamboo and can surpass the gamelan in exoticism.

One of the major tourist attractions of Bali is the monthly performance of the Retjak, or Ramayana Monkey Chant. Imagine "Bolero" as chanted by warlords of the Planet of the Apes. Dancers use fire and other theatrics, while the entire crowd builds the chant "ta-ka-ta ta-ka-ta" with layers of intensity. While not gamelan, it does make an interesting counterpart to the usually non-vocal instrumentation of the traditional orchestra.

Buying: There are many gamelan recordings spread out over nearly as many labels as there are records. Having the Retjak is essential.