Gamelan | gcse-music

Gamelan.

What? Gamelan refers to the set of instruments used. (It means to Hammer).

Where? Indonesia. (Bali & Java)

When? Traditional

Structure - This is defined by large gongs. Each repeating cycle (gongan) ends with a note on a large gong.

Texture Gamelan is heterophonic. Different instruments play different versions of the same melody.

Instruments / Technology

Metallophones - like xylophones.

Gongs - Different shapes and sizes.

Drums - double headed.

How the Instruments Interact.

Oral tradition. Music is learnt. The higher the instruments the more notes are played. The drummer signals changes in tempo and keeps them in time.

Venue / Location - Celebrations, Religious Events, Puppet Shows.

AoS2 Gamelan - Traded Tips

Tempo - Can vary. Can speed up or slow down.

Rhythm - Complex polyrhythms - see Heterophonic Texture below.

Articulation - Metallophones are played with detached (staccato) articulation.

Dynamics - Loud, busy.

Expression - Gamelan ensembles try and achieve Ramai. A lively and bustling atmosphere

Devices - Gongan - the repeating cycles. Each cycle ends with a loud gong.

Texture - Heterophonic - Different versions of the same melody.

Instruments - Gongs, Drums, Metallophones, Rebab (stringed). Suling (Flute).

Pitch - Higher pitch instruments play more notes than lower pitched instruments.

Structure - Repeating cycles (Gongan). Based on set scales. Pelog (7 Notes) and Slendro (5 Notes).

Other... Aural Tradition, Indonesia, Festivals, Puppet Shows.