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EveryParampara

Gamelan

The percussion orchestra of Java and Bali, of gongs, metallophones and drums.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Gamelan.

Also: gamelan orchestra

A gamelan is an ensemble of tuned bronze gongs, metallophones, drums and sometimes flutes, voices and strings, played together as one instrument by many players. Javanese gamelan is slow and meditative, accompanying court dance and the shadow puppet theatre, while the Balinese is bright and fast, with rapid interlocking patterns. Each set of instruments is tuned as a unit, so it is not interchangeable with another, and is often given a name and offerings. Gamelan is played at weddings, temple festivals and ceremonies, and is taught to students in schools around the world.

Region: Southeast Asia

See also

WayangBatik

Find traditions that mention Gamelan

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