Indonesian Music

Music III - Topaz

Overview

Indonesian were the last of the huge groups of people who migrated in the Southeast Asian countries.

Its cultureculture has been influenced by Shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islamic, and Western Traditions.

Indonesians came into contact with the Mongols, Chinese, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, English Traders and colonizers.

Trade and Conflicts

The rich interaction with other cultures has brought about a wide range of musical styles in Indonesian Music.

Indonesia

An archipelago Consist of more than 13,000

island. Has the most ethnical diverse

population in the world. 300 ethnic groups that speak

250 languages.

Despite of the diversity, they are brought together by their language (BAHASA INDONESIA) and their religion (Muslim).

GAMELAN A term used for various types of

orchestra played in Indonesia. Refers to the traditional form of

Indonesian Music. An orchestra composed of

various percussion instruments.

Composed of Gong-Chimes, Bronze gong, drums, flutes and metallophones, singer.

Each gamelan is slightly different, but they have the same organization.

Animism in Gamelan

Animism – a belief that a spirit or divinity resides within every object.

Gamelan is sacred. Believed to have supernatural power. Gamelan is well-respected. Gamelan is a way of linking

individuals.

Gamelan music is formal. Traditionally, gamelan is only played

at certain occasion. Ritual, ceremony, celebrations, shows

etc. Gamelan provides livelihood. Gamelan used as an accompaniment. Polyphonic with nuclear theme.

Two Popular Gamelan

Javanese GamelanBalinese Gamelan

Balinese Gamelan

Made up mostly of gongs and more metallophones.

Basic Characteristics- is the sudden changed of tempo and dynamics.

It uses fast rattling cymbal. Produces very bright sound.

Javanese Gamelan

Percussion dominated which sometimes referred to as GONG-CHIMES musical ensemble.

Gong AGENG is believed to be the main spirit of Javanese Gamelan.

Composed of bronze gongs and metallophones, cymbals, a time beater.

Cycle

Gamelan music is in cycle. The music will repeat over and over until the drummer gives a signal to end a performance.

Polyphonic

Gamelan is in Polyphonic Stratification structure.

Music composed by layers of melody lines or rhythm patterns.

5 Categories of Polyphonic

Theme Elaboration Punctuation Counter-Melody Rhythm

Musical Scales of Indonesia

Pelog Slendro

CENT

Measuring device for pitch vibration used to locate the tone position of the notes of the Slendro and Pelog in the diatonic scale.

Slendro This is a pentatonic scale,

without half steps. Commonly referred to as

the “male” tonal system. Each notation has its own

tone and solmization.

Notation

Tone Solmization

1

2

3

5

6

Barong

Gulu

Dhadha

Lima

Nem

ji (siji)

lo (loro)

lu (telu)

ma (lima)

nem (enem)

Three MODES or Pathets

Slendro pathet nem – the lowest mode

Slendro pathet songa – medium high

Slendro pathet manyura – highest mode

Pelog This is s seven tone scale

involving half steps. Commonly referred to as

the “female” tonal system. Notation are different from

slendro.

Notation

Tone Solmization1

2

3

5

4

6

7

Ben

Gulu

Dhadha

Pelog

Lima

Nem

Barong

ji (siji)

ro (loro)

lu (telu)

pat (patpat)

ma (lima)

nem (enem)

pi (pitu)

Three MODES or Pathets

Pelog pathet lima – the lowest mode

Pelog pathet nem – medium high

Pelog pathet barong – highest mode