The Balinese Gamelan was very similar to other forms of gamelan including Javanese gamelan, but also had its differences. The Balinese use very portable instruments as the drums are carried with straps and each kettle gong is carried and played by only one musician. They also incorporate the use of cymbals, which i haven’t heard used in other gamelan factions. This gamelan is also very processional, mostly taking place during temple anniversaries or cremations. This gamelan does use the cycle though with the female gong being hit to start every cycle, and the male gong being used on every 4th measure, while another gong, which is smaller, is used in the beats between. The difference is that in Bali, they do not start the female gong on beat one, it is instead started on beat eight. The rhythm used in Balinese gamelan is also different. It uses interlocking beats called kotekan that are said to have religious meaning. This interlocking rhythm is derived from the cymbals. From hearing and watching the videos on the site, I felt like the beat was much faster and the notes were more distinct. Overall, I enjoyed the videos and music on this site more than I enjoyed listening to the other forms of gamelan and talempong we have studied this semester.
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