[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!

Playlist

[For Beginners] A Collection of Gamelan Masterpieces [Introductory Guide]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Taruna Jaya		Dynamic music representative of Balinese dance
2	CendrawasihI Nyoman Windha		Expressing the birds-of-paradise of Bali through music
3	Kebyar Ding		Traditional music of Bali, innovative works
4	Kaneda’s ThemeGeinō Yamashirogumi		Gamelan music, the music from the film Akira
5	Margapati		Traditional Music of Bali: Margapati
6	Gendhing JawaNyi Tjondrolukito		Nyi Tindror, the legendary pesindhen (female singer) of Java
7	Udan Mas		The allure of Javanese gamelan music “Golden Rain”
8	GeneticDewa Alit & Gamelan Salukat		Music where tradition and innovation converge
9	Kosalia AriniI Wayan Beratha		A captivating piece of traditional Indonesian music
10	Prahu LayarKi Nartosabdho		The cheerful seaside melody is captivating.
11	Prahu LayarKi Nartosabdho		A masterpiece that revolutionized Indonesia’s traditional music
12	Kodok Ngorek		The Mythic Origins of Javanese Traditional Gamelan Music and Frogs
13	Wilujeng		The heartwarming melodies of Indonesian traditional music
14	Not Great MenSEKAR-MELATI		Play Western music on a Javanese gamelan
15	Babar Layar		Ritual of setting sail, a mystical world of sound
16	Laler Mengeng		The transmission of the classical musical work “Laler Mengeng”
17	Rangsang Tuban		The Mysterious Music of the Indonesian Royal Court
18	Ujan Mas		A famous piece by an Indonesian traditional ensemble
19	Sekar GinotanI Wayan Sarga		A master of Balinese gamelan, the Gamelan Gendér Wayang
20	Mojang PrianganRobot Percussion		Music that fuses gamelan and rock
21	Sabi LulunganGamelan Degung		Small-ensemble gamelan originating from the Sunda region
22	Gong Lelambatan KlasikTabuh Galang Kangin		Gamelan music in Ubud, Bali
23	PanyembramaJaya Swara		Balinese traditional music performed at the royal palace
24	Doh AhOOIOO		The female rock band OOIOO by Boredoms
25	Spirit Of BaliSemara Ratih		Indonesian arts group Smara Ratih
26	NadiEberhard Schoener		German musician influenced by Asian music
27	Urban Gamelan pt1 and Sirens23 Skidoo		A versatile British band that fuses musical genres
28	Benaya benayataikū jikan		Gamelan performance of an Ethiopian folk song
29	BarisGenta Bhuana Sari		Gamelan ensemble and traditional dance of Bali
30	And the Darkest Hour is Just Before DawnDaniel Schmidt and the Berkeley Gamelan		A fusion work of gamelan and minimal music
31	nesa desa BanjarangkanSekaa Gong Banjar		Characteristics of amateur bands rooted in the local communities of Bali
32	ImprovisationToshi Tsuchitori&Indonesian musician		Toshiyuki Tsuchitori, performing a rich variety of music
33	Legong LasemTirta Sari		Legong: Traditional Balinese Gamelan Dance
34	Jaranan Lcr. Manyarsewu Binangun Pl.Br.Rahayu Supanggah		A renowned Indonesian composer active internationally.
35	Contemporary Malay KompangGeng Wak Long		Traditional Malay instruments with a modern twist
36	Eternal Rhythm Part 1Don Cherry		Avant-garde jazz incorporating Indonesian music
37	Batukau VibesMani Neumeier & Peter Hollinger		Music session of Germany and canyons
38	RonggolaweS.T.S.I Akademy of Art and Dance, Surakarta, Indonesia		An artistic performance of a traditional Javanese royal court dance drama
39	SambasundaCBMW		Bamboo gamelan music inspired by samba
40	Legong LasemSri Padma		The Sri Padma Ensemble is composed only of girls and...
41	eling-eling banyumasansangga buana		The Soul of the Javanese Folk Song Eling-eling
42	AngklungDharma Kerti		The town of Gamelan, Bali's traditional music
43	Indonesian gamelan medley from JavaAmadinda Percussion Group		Gamelan by a Hungarian percussion ensemble
44	Tabuh Joged BumbungGamelan Rindik		Traditional Balinese music, Rindik
45	Travelon GamelonRichard Lerman		Experimental music composed with bicycle sounds