Gamelan Gong Luang: Ritual, Time, Place, Music, and Change

Gamelan gong luang is a rare and sacred music ensemble performed in Bali, Indonesia. Its Origins are only speculative, but it is believed to have existed before the arrival of migrants from Hindu Majapahit Java in the fourteenth century. Today few Balinese have Interest in learning to perform This Music, Which is intimately intertwined with ritual practices. The research involves the study of to interrelated aspects of this complex musical tradition. First, the author focuses on gamelan gong luang #39;s history, instrumentation, social organization, and function with in Balinese Society. And second, he focuses on gamelan gong luang #39;s musical structure using Analytical perspective. Additionally, and in consideration of the results of his research, He reflects gamelan gong luang #39;s future. There are two goals in writing this book. First, the author wants to challenge younger Generations of Balinese musicians that often fail to recognize the value of this musical tradition. Today, more diverse and rapidly developing modern musics, like the exciting World of gamelan Gong Kebyar, capture the attention of Young Musicians. To these young people gamelan gong luang is old fashioned and unexciting. This research elucidates many of the unique characteristic of gamelan gong luang, highlights new potentialities for its appreciation and thus continuance. The author will also show that musical characteristics of gamelan gong luang live on in their transformation at the hands of many Balinese composers. The conclusion is that the loss of this ensemble would seriously damage the continuity of social and religious life in some places that rely heavily on its use in ritual, and for all of Balu and the world at large, a loss of cultural heritage. Author: I Wayan Sudirana, S.Sn., M.A., Ph.D. Foreword : Prof. Michael Tenzer, Ph.D. University of British Columbia, Canada Publisher: Faculty of Performing Arts, ISI Denpasar, Bali ISBN: 978-602-5908-04-0 Price : Rp. 180.000