Music of a wonderful world

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[For Beginners] A Collection of Gamelan Masterpieces [Introductory Edition] (31–40)

Eternal Rhythm Part 1Don Cherry

Don Cherry Eternal Rhythm Part 1

Eternal Rhythm Part 1Don Cherry

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.

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Batukau VibesMani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger

Mani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger – Batukau Vibes

Batukau VibesMani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger

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.

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

Javanese court dance drama “Ronggolawe”

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

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.

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SambasundaCBMW

CBMW – Sambasunda

SambasundaCBMW

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.

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Legong LasemSri Padma

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

Legong LasemSri Padma

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.

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