Each of the three types of Gamelan has different instruments, different feels, and different performing styles. Balinese is the most contemporary – the kebyar style of Bali probably originated in the first decade of the 20th century. Javanese Gamelan is usually regarded as the oldest form, having been around for as long as 1200 years. There are three main kinds of Gamelan, Javanese (found in the central and eastern parts of Java), Sundanese (found in west Java) and Balinese (found in Bali). They may be playing the same pieces they’re familiar with, but these may now sound subtly different. A musician “sitting in” in a Gamelan ensemble they don’t normally play in quickly has to adjust to a new set of pitches. Each Gamelan is made as a unit and features a unique tuning – no two Gamelan completely share the same tuning. This is an orchestra of mostly percussion instruments that are made, tuned and played together as a group. One of the world’s great classical music traditions is the Gamelan ensemble of Indonesia.
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