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Gamelan: The Traditions of Bali Music

The history of Balinese music is steeped in tradition and is shared with Indonesian musical styles. The main traditional music in Bali is known as Gamelan music and can be found across the islands of Java and Bali. Consisting of melodic gongs and metal instruments in the form of a percussion orchestra, the result is an often hypnotic yet harmonious sound produced by different techniques according to each province’s practices. In a significant recognition for Indonesia, in 2021, gamelan was inscribed onto the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, encouraging the country’s people to “safeguard, transmit, promote, and develop the gamelan”.

Uncover the storied history and intricate instruments that form the wonder that is the Balinese gamelan.

Gamelan history

While it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of gamelan, the earliest known records have been traced to the reliefs of Borobudur Temple, which dates back to the 8th-century. Since then, Indonesia’s diverse history has contributed to the variations and interpretations we recognise today, as well as the addition of instruments, including Middle Eastern bow instruments and rhythmic variations, most likely originating from European influences. 

In mythology, it is said the gamelan was created by a Javanese mountain god named Sang Hyang Guru from 230 AD, who used the sounds of gongs to summon neighbouring gods—this was the first record of a gamelan set being formed. From around 1293 to 1597, the modern day form of gamelan music came to fruition, as the production of instruments became a possibility. The main historical usage was during the 15th century, where gamelan was utilised to prepare troops for battle.

Gamelan instruments

A gamelan set traditionally comprises metallophones, xylophones, flutes, gongs, voices, as well as bowed and plucked strings. A hand-played drum called Kendang controls the tempo and rhythm of the orchestral piece. This instrument can come in different sizes, forming varying tones and acts as the lead instrument in gamelan, guiding and setting the tempo for the rest of the orchestra, which includes Gambang, Jegog, Rebab, Suling and Gender Wayang. In Balinese gamelan, the sounds are powerful and dynamic, producing faster beats and rhythms when compared to other forms of gamelan. Integral to Balinese-Hindu rituals, it plays a significant role in religious rites and musical performances. 

Instruments in gamelan music sets are varied, with no two gamelan ensembles tuned or prepared in the same way. Each instrument is masterfully tuned and is seen as a precise and important operation, unique to the maker of each gamelan ensemble. Balinese gamelan instruments are built in pairs and tuned slightly apart, known as ‘wave’—the idea of cyclical undulation. This produces the shimmering sound reminiscent of Balinese gamelan orchestras which creates a truly mystical experience for the listener. Two common scale forms that gamelan often adhere to are known as Slendro and Pelog. Slendro produces a light, cheerful atmosphere and is often accompanied by performances that are romantic or emotional. Pelog produces an atmosphere of the regal and sacred, accompanying performances that depict the entry of royalty or scenes of anger or revenge.

Gamelan instruments are usually owned by nobility or temples and belong to the community as a whole, since the orchestral instruments do not belong to any one individual. Any performance is played out in open air settings, so that the music flows out into the community.

Functions of gamelan

The intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns of the gamelan are a true expression of Balinese culture, community and devotion, providing the perfect soundtrack for a host of occasions and religious gatherings. Sacred dances and traditional performances, including Legong, Topeng and Barong dances, as well as Wayang shadow puppetry are usually accompanied by the striking tones and powerful energy of the gamelan that seeks to accentuate each occasion. 

Gamelan is used for ritual processions, such as death ceremonies, as well as separately in Bali music performances for various art purposes and festivals. GWK Cultural Park in Ungasan delivers a variety of dances accompanied by gamelan, including Bumbung Dance, Barong Keris Dance, and the Garuda Wisnu Ballet.

Sacred gamelan

While there are different forms of gamelan, Gamelan Selonding is the sacred form of gamelan that originates from Tenganan, a village in east Bali. This ensemble is stored and preserved in ancient temples of Bali and reserved for religious ceremonies, particularly for larger processions, serving as a way to connect with gods, deities and ancestors.

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