Gamelan refers to the Indonesian orchestra, typically consisting of a wide range of percussion instruments. There are many different types of gamelan music, with different sonic styles, arrangements, and instrumentations. Whereas Javanese gamelan has a rather soft sound in general and low tempo, Balinese gamelan is kinetic, with a high-energy feel and more intense staccato. The instrumentation in Balinese gamelan is different from that of other islands. Balinese gamelan uses a few higher-pitched xylophones, for example. Moreover, Balinese gamelan is integral to Balinese culture. The gamelan ensembles are necessary accompaniments to Balinese dances, which are in turn inseparable from Balinese culture. Dance, music, and drama combine to form the basis for Balinese cultural and artistic expressions. Typically, gamelan musicians are all male, but dancers may be of both genders. Staging of gamelan may or may not include formal costumes. Among the defining features of Balinese gamelan is its dynamics. A composition can morph from being quiet to being intensely loud. These changes in tone and style throughout one song create a compelling listening experience for the viewer. The dynamics of Balinese gamelan also make it an incredibly flexible style. Gamelan orchestras can be harnessed for new compositions, as well as rendering traditional favorites...
In larger gamelan orchestras, the ensemble may be situated at specific areas of the stage to allow for the ideal acoustics. This is because some of the instruments are louder or have more bass resonance than others, which need to be placed closer to the audience.
In other words each music performance is different and the impulsiveness of each performance confirms the concept of indeterminate music. 6) Describe an Indonesian Gamelan. (Textbook p. 282-283) It said that Debussy, when he heard the Indonesian ensemble called gamelan was surprisingly delighted at its diverse and delicate timbers, and decided to use the elements in the impressionistic sound which he was working at developing. The gamelan, a distinctive Indonesian orchestra consisting
Gamelan Music Overview- The gamelan is a traditional musical ensemble from Java and Bali, islands in the Indonesian chain. In the Javanese language, the word meaning bronze instrument. The word gamelan includes several different types of instruments, and has come to mean more of a traditional style and use of instrumentation, including at times vocals. The traditional gamelan orchestra includes instruments like xylophones, kendang drums, gongs, metallophones, bamboo flutes, and bowed
A Balinese gamelan ensemble from Los Angeles comprised of half Western and half Balinese musicians took my breath away but to analyze the show proved to be the most difficult class assignment the entire semester. For a student accustomed to listening to mainstream rock and pop, anything outside of a four/four meter sounded jarring. Trying to wrap my head around the complex rhythmic structure and near lack of melody
The importance of a strong opening and closing, practicing, staying organized and focused and taking the stage with confidence are skills that I continue to apply in my class presentations. At times my classes, especially the General Education classes, have been quite challenging. Having proven to myself that I have the intellectual capacity, discipline and drive to pass these classes, I am inspired and encouraged when presented with some of
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