Gamelan is a set of music instrument from Java and Bali. This instrument is designed to be played together by a group of players. The harmony created by different instrument is what make gamelan become the main instrument in Java. It is said that Gamelan was invented first time around year 300 AD and it is still played until now. This instrument has play a major role in determining the direction of the culture here in Java.Before you get more confuse!! Java here means the main island in Indonesia not the programming language :) . You can see the famous Bali island from Ketapang Harbour, the east corner of Java island. The famous Java programming language is derive from this island's name because the program's developers really love the coffee that come from here, the Java island.
Back to the topic. The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix "an", which makes the root a collective noun. This is because most of the instrument that ensemble Gamelan is played by hammering them. Of course you don't use that hammer tools that is used to hammer nails, instead there are special hammers for these instruments. The hammers are made of wood which while the instruments are made of metal, usually from brass or bronze.
The most famous instruments that ensemble Gamelan is called Gong which is also the biggest one. The Gong, normally consist of several pieces, can stretch up to 1 meter in diameter. When you hit them, you will hear a deep, low vibrating and calming Gongggggggg voice. Can you imagine it? The echo is so subtle yet full of vibration. Nothing beats a Gong voice. You've got to hear it yourself. That's why the Gong is used mainly at the end of the melody. "Let the best be the last" they said.
There are other instrument which make up the Gamelan such as Kenong, Kendang, Siter, Rebab, and others which I couldn't remember. They are played in a rithmic ensemble like the modern orchestra, except that there is no conductor here. Every player seems to be able to know when to hit what, with a correct strength. Amazing collaboration I must say!!
Gamelan is a very flexible type of music. It is normally played to a accompany a Wayang Kulit or Shadow Puppet show along with several Sindens, name for traditional javanese female singers. They can also be played to accompany a traditional dance performance or can also be played only as an instrument without any other show.
Nowadays, there are cd's and cassette for us to listen to this marveollus music so that we don't have to go far away just to enjoy it. In the western country, the Mozart effect is very famous to help the children develop their intelegence and creativity. Could it be that Gamelan is also able to increase the capacity of these children? Although maybe there is no thorough research about it yet, but observing the effect to the royal family of Javanese who listen this music frequently, I bet this a competitor to Mozart.
Back to the topic. The word "gamelan" comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer, and the suffix "an", which makes the root a collective noun. This is because most of the instrument that ensemble Gamelan is played by hammering them. Of course you don't use that hammer tools that is used to hammer nails, instead there are special hammers for these instruments. The hammers are made of wood which while the instruments are made of metal, usually from brass or bronze.
The most famous instruments that ensemble Gamelan is called Gong which is also the biggest one. The Gong, normally consist of several pieces, can stretch up to 1 meter in diameter. When you hit them, you will hear a deep, low vibrating and calming Gongggggggg voice. Can you imagine it? The echo is so subtle yet full of vibration. Nothing beats a Gong voice. You've got to hear it yourself. That's why the Gong is used mainly at the end of the melody. "Let the best be the last" they said.
There are other instrument which make up the Gamelan such as Kenong, Kendang, Siter, Rebab, and others which I couldn't remember. They are played in a rithmic ensemble like the modern orchestra, except that there is no conductor here. Every player seems to be able to know when to hit what, with a correct strength. Amazing collaboration I must say!!
Gamelan is a very flexible type of music. It is normally played to a accompany a Wayang Kulit or Shadow Puppet show along with several Sindens, name for traditional javanese female singers. They can also be played to accompany a traditional dance performance or can also be played only as an instrument without any other show.
Nowadays, there are cd's and cassette for us to listen to this marveollus music so that we don't have to go far away just to enjoy it. In the western country, the Mozart effect is very famous to help the children develop their intelegence and creativity. Could it be that Gamelan is also able to increase the capacity of these children? Although maybe there is no thorough research about it yet, but observing the effect to the royal family of Javanese who listen this music frequently, I bet this a competitor to Mozart.
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