Matt’s Musical Madness

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The three recordings each present a different look at the “Nhemamusasa” piece. The first is a recording of the piece being performed in its entirety. The rhythm is performed in conjunction with lead and backing vocals, and the complex structure of the song is easily appreciated. The second recording focuses on the complexity of instrumental parts only, including the multiple melodies (polyphony) and rhythms (polyrhythm) present. At least two melodies are distinguishable (the interlocking, higer pitched instruments) and two rhythms (the shaker-type instrument and the lower pitched wind instrument) are also present. Finally, the third recording analyzes the form of the piece. The piece is broken into 4 phrases (comparable to measures in Western music) that consist of 12 beats each. These phrases repeat in a cyclical manner until the piece is over.

The University of Illinois website (see link below) provides a fascinating, interactive look into the width and breadth of Balinese gamelan. These gong ensembles are played throughout the island at social functions of all kinds. Religious ceremonies, coming of age rituals, and pure entertainment all call for different styles of gamelan music, which in turn call for different gamelans.

Gamelan is similar in many ways to another style of Indonesian gong music, talempong. Both styles are often divided into processional and seated styles, depending on whether the performers are standing, walking, or dancing, or simply sitting down while they play. This distinction often dictates the size of the ensemble and their instruments, since, say, a two hundred pound gong is not a viable marching instrument.The wealth and social status of the family hiring a gong ensemble is also important in determining the scale of the performance, with the elaborate nature of a gamelon or talempong ensemble serving as an indicator of a family’s status.

Visit the link below to learn all about the different styles of gamelan.

http://www.spurlock.uiuc.edu/explorations/online/bali/bali001.html