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# Gamelan Music The gamelan is a traditional Indonesian orchestra, comparable to only two things: moonlight and flowing water. ## Playing Together * Every musician in the gamelan orchestra is equal. * The drummer sets the rhythm and pace for other musicians, but has no higher status. * Men and wo...

# Gamelan Music The gamelan is a traditional Indonesian orchestra, comparable to only two things: moonlight and flowing water. ## Playing Together * Every musician in the gamelan orchestra is equal. * The drummer sets the rhythm and pace for other musicians, but has no higher status. * Men and women usually play in separate gamelans, except for when a woman might sing with a male gamelan. ## Sacred Instruments * A Javanese legend says that the first gamelan was formed around 1800 years ago by the ruler Sang Hyang Guru. A set of gongs were used to summon gods. * The gamelan is considered sacred. Musicians must take off their shoes and no one can step over the instruments. ## Gender Metallophones * Squared metal bars in a wooden frame. * Mallets used on them are covered in felt, producing a softened sound to elaborate the tune. ## Drums (Kendang) * Drums are the main rhythm instrument. * There may be three or four different-sized kendang drums in a gamelan. * Different-sized beads on each drum create different sounds (a larger bead makes a deeper sound). ## Other Instruments * **Saron:** Metal metallophones with rounded metal bars struck with a wooden or bone mallet. They play the main tune. * **Cradled Gongs (Bonang):** Add chiming sounds to the main theme, either to elaborate or punctuate. ## Musical Features * **Ostinato:** Repeated phrases that are an important part of gamelan music. * **Interlocking (Kotekan):** Each instrument plays its own phrase repeatedly, which together creates a complete tune. * **Bebranangan:** A typical Balinese gamelan tune that has three sections playing different rhythms. ## Cultural Significance * Gamelan is used in ceremonies and celebrations. * It often accompanies puppet shows (Wayang Kulit) that tell religious stories. * Performances can last all night. It's often used for spreading religious messages.