Chapter Three: Gamelan in Cirebon
Indonesia 13,000+ islands, 300+ languages Former Dutch colony Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (“Unity in Diversity”)
Indonesia (cont.) Most populated island: Java –Dominant ethnic group: Javanese (central/east) –Second ethnic group: Sundanese (west) Most famous island: Bali
Indonesia (cont.) Layers of Influences on Java and Bali –Indigenous animistic beliefs –Hinduism –Buddhism –Islam (16th century) –Various Indonesian kingdoms/empires –Portuguese, Dutch, British colonial rule –Independence in 1945
Gamelan Ensemble (orchestra) –Bronze idiophones Gongs and gong chimes Metallophones
Gamelan (cont.) –Other instruments Drums Bowed string, plucked string, flute Xylophone Singing
Gamelan (cont.) Four Musical Layers in Modern Gamelan Music –Underlying cycle (“colotomic”) –Rhythmic control / drumming –Main melody (balungan) –Elaboration (panerusan)
Ways of Describing Gamelan's Musical Texture Simultaneous variation Polyphonic stratification
Gamelan in Cirebon Sekaten (ceremonial gamelan) Topeng (masked dance) –Five characters Panji Samba / Pamindo Rumyang Tumenggung Rahwana