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Javanese Gamelan has gone through a remarkable journey in the history of Indonesian Traditional Music, encompassing both the traditional and modern contexts. Rooted in a rich cultural heritage, Javanese Gamelan has transcended time, captivating audiences with its mesmerizing melodies and intricate rhythms. From its depiction in traditional courtly settings, accompanying rituals and ceremonies, to its evolution in the modern era, embracing fusion and collaboration, Javanese Gamelan has remained a symbol of cultural expression and community engagement.

Its seamless adaptation to the modern context has allowed for creative exploration and cross-cultural exchanges, expanding its reach and resonating with diverse audiences worldwide. Throughout its journey, Javanese Gamelan has preserved its essence and authenticity while embracing new horizons, ensuring its enduring place as a cherished musical tradition that continues to inspire and captivate in both traditional and modern contexts.

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In the traditional context, Javanese Gamelan is steeped in a rich cultural heritage passed down through generations. The ensemble typically comprises tuned gongs, metallophones, drums, and other percussive instruments. Traditionally performed in courtly settings, it accompanies rituals, ceremonies, and shadow puppet plays. The music's allure lies in its intricate rhythmic cycles called colotomic structures, weaving layers of captivating sound.

Traditional Javanese Gamelan emphasizes collective ensemble playing, with musicians seated cross-legged, attentively listening to one another. Their sounds seamlessly blend, creating a harmonious whole. The instruments themselves are meticulously crafted, showcasing intricate carvings and designs, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship valued in Javanese culture.

In contrasting, the modern context witnesses Javanese Gamelan's creative expansion and reinterpretation. Composers and musicians embrace gamelan as a wellspring of inspiration, fusing it with contemporary genres and styles. This fusion yields innovative compositions and collaborations that push the boundaries of traditional gamelan music.

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Radiohead, a British rock band formed in 1985, explored diverse musical elements in their music, including the incorporation of Gamelan instruments in their song "Bodysnatchers."

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(Left to Right): Eka Gustiwana, Reza Oktovian, Gerard Liu

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Weird Genius, an Indonesian EDM group comprised of Reza Oktovian, Eka Gustiwana, and Gerald Liu, achieved worldwide acclaim with their popular song "Lathi" in 2020. This composition serves as an exemplar of their distinctive amalgamation of EDM and traditional Javanese Gamelan sonorities.

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Over the centuries, Gamelan Jawa has evolved and incorporated influences from other cultures, but it has retained its unique identity and continues to be preserved as a symbol of Javanese cultural heritage.

One significant transformation lies in the evolution of its musical styles. The instrumentation and tuning within gamelan ensembles have evolved over the years. New instruments have been introduced while others have disappeared.

Regional variations within gamelan have emerged, with each tradition showcasing unique colors, playing techniques, and stylistic nuances. The Javanese, Balinese, Sundanese, and Central Javanese gamelan traditions are noteworthy examples, highlighting the cultural diversity and local artistic expressions within the gamelan tradition.

In addition, more Westerners started to learn and practice Gamelan Jawa in their respective country.

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Lagu Slendang Biru Gamelan Dadali Moskow/Сленданг Биру Гамелан Дадали

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Other than played in royal events, wedding ceremony, and religious events, Gamelan plays a vital role in traditional dance and theater performances. It accompanies the movements and enhances the visual storytelling, creating a dynamic and immersive atmosphere, such as it is often performed along with Wayang Kulit. The rhythmic and melodic patterns of gamelan instruments contribute to the overall impact of these performances.

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Gamelan Jawa music is based on a unique tuning system known as "slendro" or "pelog." These tunings are different from the Western scale and provide the distinct Javanese sound. The music is highly rhythmic and cyclical, with intricate interlocking patterns between the instruments.

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Gamelan predominantly comprising of tuned gongs and metallophones. These are complemented by other instruments such as the rebab, a two-stringed fiddle, the gambang, a wooden xylophone, the suling, a bamboo flute, the siter, a zither, and more.

Within Central Java, a multitude of gamelan variations exist, distinguished by their instrumental composition and purpose. In contemporary practice, a widely recognized "standard" gamelan, which primarily stems from the court tradition, prevails.

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Gamelan is often performed in ceremonial and court settings, including royal events, weddings, and religious ceremonies in the early days.

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Javanese Gamelan at the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta

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Gamelan ensemble is believed has been existed in Java since 404AD or way back as the instrument’s earliest discovery was through a drawing in the relic of Borobudur and Prambanan Temple in Cental Java, Indonesia (Itsnaini, 2021).

With a long history of the musical ensemble, Gamelan has spread across Java even to Bali and Lombok. Gamelan from each region has their own characteristic following the native culture, however the basic of the instruments are still the same.

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Sang Hyang Guru in Wayang Kulit representation

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In Javanese history, gamelan was first created by Sang Hyang Guru in Saka era 167 or 230AD. He was considered as “the god” who ruled as king of all Java. He needed a signal to summon the gods and therefore the invention of the gong. Gamelan Jawa has deep historical and spiritual significance. The music is believed to have the power to connect humans with the divine and create a harmonious atmosphere.

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One of Instruments in Gamelan ensemble: Bonang

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Gamelan Jawa is traditional musical ensemble originated from Java, Indonesia. It is characterized by a rich blend of melodic and percussive instruments, creating a complex and mesmerizing sound. The word "gamelan" refers to both the ensemble and the instruments themselves.

It typically consists of a variety of percussion instruments such as metallophones, gongs, drums, and flutes. The word “gamelan” itself originated from Javanese language “gamel” that translates as “to beat”, which actually a literal meaning from how the ensemble is being played (Iswantoro, 2018)

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Reference List

Iswantoro, G. (2018). KESENIAN MUSIK TRADISIONAL GAMELAN JAWA SEBAGAI KEKAYAAN BUDAYA BANGSA INDONESIA. Journal of Applied Science Tourism, 3(1), 129–143. Retrieved from https://jstp.polteksahid.ac.id/index.php/jstp/article/view/134

Itsnaini, F. M. (2021, March 23). Gamelan: Sejarah, Fungsi, Dan instrumen Warisan Budaya. https://www.detik.com/edu/detikpedia/d-5504099/gamelan-sejarah-fungsi-dan-instrumen-warisan-budaya

Purwanto, J. (2005). Karawitan: Javanese Gamelan in Surakarta, Central Java. In Musicologica Austriaca (Vol. 24, pp. 19–26). story. Retrieved from https://www.musau.org/assets/Uploads/OEGMW/MusAu-Printausgabe/MusAu-24-2005/MusAu-24-2005-5-Purwanto.pdf.

Roth, A. (1986, January 1). New composition for Javanese gamelan. Theses. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/917/

Szczepanski, K. (2019, June 26). Learn the history behind Gamelan, Indonesian music and dance. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-gamelan-195131

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karawitan MUDHO LARAS terbaru 2022 sinden RINI epeledut

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Sléndro is composed of a five-note scale with each pitch roughly equidistant from the next.

It provides an octave-repeating pentatonic scale, although the octave is usually stretched to compensate for the inharmonicity of the instruments.

In Javanese gamelan, the tones of slendro are numbered 1 2 3 5 6.

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Globalization and cultural exchange have continued to shape gamelan in the recent times. These days, Gamelan Jawa is not only performed in traditional contexts but also in contemporary compositions and collaborations with artists around the world. Cross-cultural collaborations and experimentation have become more common, allowing for the integration of gamelan into electronic music, avant-garde compositions, and cross-genre compositions.

One of the example of the incorporation of gamelan in contemporary music is from Indonesian EDM (Electronic Dance Music) group called “Weird Genius” who features Gamelan Jawa elements in their song "Lathi". The song combines modern EDM beats and production techniques with traditional Javanese Gamelan. Another example is from Radiohead's song "Bodysnatchers," released in 2007 as part of their album "In Rainbows," the band incorporates gamelan elements to create a distinct sonic texture.

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Nakula (Backsound Traditional Gamelan Modern For Cinematic Video)

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Musik Gamelan Jawa pada Acara Pernikahan #jalanjalan #adatjawa #gamelan #wedding

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In "Bodysnatchers," Radiohead incorporates the Gamelan instrument, specifically the gendèr, the Javanese metallophone. The gendèr provides a distinct and shimmering timbre that adds quality to the song. It is integrated into the musical arrangement, working in harmony with the band's characteristic guitar-driven sound and driving rhythms.

"Bodysnatchers" is praised by many as Radiohead's use of Gamelan elements in their music is considered unique. The gendèr's inclusion adds a layer of texture and complexity to the music, enhancing its atmospheric and hypnotic qualities. It demonstrates the band's willingness to explore new musical territories and experiment with unconventional instruments within their alternative rock framework.

The Gamelan instrument in "Bodysnatchers" serves as a sound enrichment, contributing to the song's overall atmosphere rather than being the central focus. It showcases Radiohead's adeptness at incorporating diverse musical influences to create unique and engaging compositions. Their integration of the Gamelan instrument showcases their artistic vision and willingness to push boundaries, resulting in a captivating and distinctive musical experience.

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Gamelan has evolved in modern times due to factors such as cultural exchange, cross-cultural collaborations, contemporary compositional practices, changing social contexts, and efforts in education and preservation. These influences have led to the fusion of gamelan with various musical genres and the integration of gamelan into contemporary compositions.

Gamelan continues to adapt, experiment, and remain relevant, while preserving its traditional roots, ensuring its continued significance and captivating audiences in the modern musical landscape. Musicians experiment with harmonic progressions, improvisation techniques, and compositional approaches, while still honouring Javanese Gamelan's core principles. Flexible rhythmic frameworks often replace traditional colotomic structures, enabling greater freedom and exploration.

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"Lathi" is a dynamic composition that seamlessly blends contemporary electronic rhythms and the melodies of Gamelan Jawa. At the core of the song's composition lies the incorporation of the slenthem, the gamelan metallophone instrument. Slenthem plays a pivotal role, fulfilling both rhythmic and melodic functions, thereby contributing to the memorable character of the piece.

Notably, the integration of Gamelan Jawa elements into the EDM framework of "Lathi" is executed seamlessly. The distinct sonic qualities of the slenthem are intricately blended with electronic synthesizers and basslines, resulting in a harmonious fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. The repetitive and interlocking patterns inherent in Gamelan Jawa seamlessly converge with the EDM beats, heightening the overall rhythmic and captivating energy of the song.

The innovative juxtaposition of traditional Gamelan elements with contemporary electronic elements has gained recognition for its captivating approach, consequently bring the exposure of Gamelan Jawa to a wider international audience.

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Weird Genius - Lathi (ft. Sara Fajira) Official Music Video

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To set the rhythm of the gamelan

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Karawitan Tari Remo Putra UJI PEMBAWAAN SENI KARAWITAN STKW 2019

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Karawitan Tari Remo Putra UJI PEMBAWAAN SENI KARAWITAN STKW 2019

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Sakjege Aku Nderek Gusti - Lagu Rohani Kristen Bahasa Jawa Diiringi Alunan Gamelan - GKJW Mojowarno

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Pélog is a seven-note scale from which five-note modes are constructed.

In Javanese gamelan, the tones of pelog are numbered 1 through 7 (traditionally associated with body parts: 1 = head, 2 = neck, 3 = chest, 4 = groin, 5 = knees, 6 = feet, 7 = hands). Tuning varies considerably between gamelan.

Traditionally, there are three pathet or modes of pelog. Pelog nem (or pathet nem) uses the tones 1 2 3 5 6 with an emphasis on either 6-2 or 5-1 depending on the piece (technically, depending whether the piece is emulating slendro manyuro or slendro songo).

Pelog barang uses 2 3 5 6 7, usually emphasizing 6+2 or 3+7. Pelog lima is a sort of "odds and ends" for uses of the 1 2 3 5 6 scale that don't really fit into anywhere else. The 4 tone is not often encountered, and some elaborating instruments lack the tone entirely.

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Emory Gamelan Ensemble performs scene 1 of Wayang Kulit entitled "The Prosperity of Wibisana"

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Saron has 6 or 7 slab of metal (1 octave) installed over a wooden frame that act as the resonator of the sound produced. Usually in a whole ensemble, there are four sets of Saron with two different type: pelog and slendro.

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Modern Javanese Gamelan performances transcend traditional cultural settings, taking place in concert halls, theaters, and international festivals. This exposure broadens the appreciation for Javanese Gamelan and fosters cross-cultural collaborations. Artists from diverse backgrounds merge their musical traditions with the ethereal sounds of gamelan, creating a vibrant and cross-pollinated musical landscape.

Despite the evolution in the modern context, the essence of Javanese Gamelan remains intact. It serves as a vessel for cultural expression, storytelling, and community engagement. The communal aspect of gamelan, where musicians interact and communicate through their instruments, still holds true, fostering unity and shared experiences.

In essence, it is safe to say that Javanese Gamelan is a timeless musical instruments as it has been around for decades and still being preserved up to today. Gamelan gracefully bridges the traditional and modern realms, adapting to new horizons while preserving its beautiful melodies, intricate rhythms, and cultural significance. Whether in its traditional or modern guise, Javanese Gamelan captivates with its enchanting allure, celebrating its roots while embracing the future.

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Similar with the Saron, Demung is also included in the balungan group in gamelan instruments. Usually there are two types of Demung, pelog and slendro in gamelan. This instrument produces the lowest octave tone from the other balungan groups, despite its largest physical size. The method of playing Demung is similar to that of the Saron, except that the demung percussion is larger and heavier than the Saron percussion.

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Pot-like instruments that sits over a string in a wooden frame. The way to play it is by beating the convex shaft at the top.

Bonang in Gamelan ensemble has some variety: Bonang Barung, Bonang Penerus, and Bonang Panembung.

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Similar to Bonang, but Kenong has a slightly bigger build and produces a lower but loud note with a distinctive timbre.

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Wayang Kulit - Back view of puppeteer - Indonesian gamelan shadow puppetry art

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Share the similar shape as Kenong and Bonang, what differentiate Gong is the fact that it is the only instruments that is hanged. The instruments act as the marker at every end of the cycle.

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Slenthem instrument is one of the gamelan instruments that is included in the balungan family such as the Saron and Demung. This musical instrument produces a low pitch hum or echoes following the tones of other balungan musical instruments. In a gamelan set there is usually a slendro version of the slenthem with a range of C, D, E, G, A, C, and pelog with a range of C to B notes.

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Gender is made of metal with which each blade is struck. There are 10 to 14 blades on a gender instrument made of brass which are then suspended from strings above a bamboo or zinc resonator.

The way to play this instrument is to beat each blade with a special bat, namely a wooden percussion (Balinese) or cloth-covered (Javanese). In a complete gamelan set, there are three types of gender used, namely slendro, pelog pathet nem lan lima, and pelog pathet barang.

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The rebab is an important gamelan instrument for elaborating and embellishing basic melodies. How to play it does not have to match the scale of other musical instruments, aliases can be created freely. This instrument is also part of an ensemble that is played openly.

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Siter/Zither is a gamelan instrument that is played by picking it like the guzheng musical instrument from China or the zither from India. This musical instrument is rarely found or used in gamelan sets today. This musical instrument is also commonly called the Javanese guitar which has a distinctive sound. Measuring 20 x 50 cm, the zither is made of teak wood with 13 to 14 strings.