Gamelan

Gamelan is the Indonesian ensemble tradition of Java and Bali, an orchestra of tuned percussion — metallophones, gong-chimes, kettle gongs and drums, with flutes, strings and voices — in which compositions unfold as layered cycles of interlocking parts. Two great regional schools dominate: the refined, slow court gamelan of Central Java and the brilliant, fast gong kebyar of Bali, each with its own tuning systems, repertory and ceremonial roles in temple, court and village life. Carried worldwide by recordings since the 1960s and by diaspora and university ensembles, gamelan has profoundly influenced Western composers from *Debussy* to *Lou Harrison* and *Steve Reich*.