[For Beginners] A Collection of Gamelan Masterpieces [Introductory Guide]
Gamelan music, a grand ensemble of traditional Indonesian instruments.
Its mysterious resonance has captivated countless composers and musicians.
Centered on bronze percussion, its unique timbres and intricate rhythms weave a sonic world that invites listeners into another dimension.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of music—from time-honored traditional masterpieces to innovative works by contemporary composers, and even pieces in genres such as jazz and pop that have been influenced by gamelan.
If you’ve never encountered gamelan music before, take this opportunity to enjoy a journey into its enchanting sonic world!
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[For Beginners] A Collection of Gamelan Masterpieces [Intro Edition] (21–30)
Gong Lelambatan KlasikTabuh Galang Kangin
Lelambatan performed by a gamelan ensemble from Tegalalang village, located north of the village in central Ubud, Bali, renowned worldwide for its beautiful rice terraces.
Lelambatan is music characterized by grandeur and refinement, with many elegant pieces, and is mainly performed to shape the atmosphere of ceremonial settings.
PanyembramaJaya Swara
This ensemble gives regular performances at Puri Saren Royal Palace in central Ubud.
It’s in a very convenient location, and passersby are drawn in by the music, making it a very lively venue.
There are always many audience members, and it’s said to be the liveliest among Ubud’s tourist performances.
Doh AhOOIOO
OOIOO is a Japanese all-female rock band formed in 1995 around Yoshimi of Boredoms.
Their 2013 album, Gamel, extensively incorporates elements of gamelan.
Spirit Of BaliSemara Ratih
Smaradana Rathi is an art collective centered around members of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts, and it is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally.
Gamelan ensembles are typically made up of members from communities centered around local temples in each region.
However, Smaradana Rathi is the first group to go beyond that framework, selected purely on the basis of skill and artistic merit.
NadiEberhard Schoener
Eberhard Schoener is a German musician and composer, as well as a conductor.
Originally a classical violinist, he was one of the early adopters of the Moog synthesizer in Europe.
In the 1970s, he went to Indonesia and began creating works that incorporated elements of Asian music.
Urban Gamelan pt1 and Sirens23 Skidoo
23 Skidoo is a group that fuses industrial, post-punk, funk, and world/ethnic music from the UK, active since around 1980.
Gamelan is of course part of their sound, but their hallmark is tracks that blend a wide range of genres.
Benaya benayataikū jikan
Taikuh Jikang is the solo project of artist Kohei Kawamura (Kawamura Koheisai), who stages performances using gamelan and shadow puppetry, active since 2009.
This track is a unique piece that arranges an Ethiopian folk song in Taikuh Jikang’s own style.