dorismusicblog

  Gamelan Gamelan is traditional percussive music that accompanies the life of Balinese people and is an integral part of the culture. Its name is from the Javanese word for hammer, gamel. Gamelan may also be referred to as gangsa which is Javanese for “bronze." Metallophones, the instruments used in gamelan music, are made of bronze. It is performed by itself as well as with dance and with shadow puppets. Gamelan music is ancient. Originating from Java and Bali, it was created around 230 AD. In Javanese mythology it is thought to have been created by a god to convey messages. It is said this is why this god created the gong and played gamelan. The photo below is a Balinese gamelan performance (part of a ritual) in a temple in Bali, circa 1920. The music is taught through generations and compositions are rarely written down. Some of its melodies are highly sacred and offered as a prayer. Certain gamelans are associated with specific rituals, such as the Gamelan Sekat