[For Beginners] A Collection of Gamelan Masterpieces [Introductory Guide]

Eternal Rhythm Part 1Don Cherry

Don Cherry Eternal Rhythm Part 1

Eternal Rhythm is a work by Don Cherry, a leading free jazz trumpeter, in which he incorporated gamelan, and it was released in 1969.

The music feels as if you’ve wandered into a foreign forest.

AngklungDharma Kerti

Angklung Dharma Kerti Susuan

In the northern part of Bali, there is a town called Singaraja, known as the birthplace of Gamelan Gong Kebyar (one of the forms of gamelan performance).

In that town of Singaraja is the Dharma Kurti ensemble.

Gamelan Anklung is an instrument whose keys are arranged to select mainly four tones within one octave, and it is often performed at funerals and important ceremonies.

Tabuh Joged BumbungGamelan Rindik

Rindik – Tabuh Joged Bumbung

Lindijk basically refers to music performed by two bamboo lindijk players, and it may also include a flute called a suling.

Many junior high and high schools in Bali teach lindijk in their music classes, and as a result, many lindijk performance competitions are held.

Batukau VibesMani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger

Mani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger – Batukau Vibes

This recording captures a major cross-border session where Mani Neumeier, the famous German drummer known for the band Guru Guru, and fellow German drummer Peter Hollinger joined forces with the Balinese gamelan ensemble Suar Agung, transcending nationality and musical genres.

RonggolaweS.T.S.I Akademy of Art and Dance, Surakarta, Indonesia

Javanese court dance drama “Ronggolawe”

This is Ronggolawe, a Javanese court dance drama performed by the Surakarta Indonesian Institute of the Arts Dance Ensemble.

These scenes are from their performance in Japan.

It’s a very artistic play—almost like watching an opera.

The leisurely sounds of the gamelan also create a wonderful atmosphere.

SambasundaCBMW

CBMW – Sambasunda

This is a piece by CBMW, a Sundanese gamelan degung group.

As the name suggests, it’s a composition inspired by Brazilian samba, featuring bamboo gamelan and violin, and is characterized by a very thrilling performance.

Legong LasemSri Padma

Sri Padma (Tunas Maragawi) Dance & Gamelan Group – Peliatan, Tabuh Pelayon – Kebyar

Sri Padma is an all-girl gamelan ensemble.

What’s more, this video shows the very first performance by the kindergarten and lower-elementary team.

It’s surprising enough that it’s an all-girl group, but you can’t help being captivated by the sight of such young children performing all by themselves.