Focus: Gamelan Music of Indonesia

Gamelan Music of Indonesia, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the iconic music of Southeast Asia's largest country, exploring its sound and cultural phenomenon while teaching Indonesian values and modern-day life. It includes updated content, examples of modern Indonesian music, and an examination of school gamelan and ISBI as centers of innovation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Indonesia, the largest country in Southeast Asia, boasts a rich and diverse musical heritage that encompasses the iconic gamelan music. This third edition of Gamelan Music of Indonesia delves into the multifaceted aspects of gamelan, not only as a captivating sound but also as a cultural phenomenon that plays a significant role in shaping the national culture. Despite Indonesia's remarkable diversity, which is a melting pot of indigenous, Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Portuguese, Dutch, British, and modern global influences, a strong national identity remains at the core of the country's heritage.

This volume aims to explore that identity by examining the music of present-day Javanese, Balinese, Cirebonese, and Sundanese gamelan ensembles through ethnic, social, cultural, and global perspectives. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution, structure, and significance of gamelan music in these regions.

One of the notable updates in the third edition is the inclusion of updated content throughout to reflect current Indonesian history and geography, as well as the revival of gamelan ensembles by the Cirebonese courts. This reflects the ongoing commitment of the Indonesian government to preserve and promote traditional music.

Furthermore, the book includes modern examples of Indonesian music, showcasing the fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. It also explores new uses of gamelan and other traditional musics, highlighting their adaptability and relevance in the modern world.

In addition, the book delves into the examination of school gamelan and ISBI (Indonesian Institute of the Arts) as centers of innovation. It discusses how these institutions are fostering the preservation and development of gamelan music, as well as their role in promoting Indonesian values and modern-day life.

The discussion on dangdut, a popular Indonesian music genre, is expanded in this edition. It explores the history, evolution, and current status of dangdut, as well as its influence by Islam. Listening examples are now posted as online eResources, allowing readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of gamelan music in a digital format.

Overall, Gamelan Music of Indonesia, Third Edition, is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse musical heritage of Indonesia. It provides a comprehensive understanding of gamelan music as a cultural phenomenon, its historical significance, and its role in shaping the national identity of Indonesia.

Weight: 554g
Dimension: 173 x 246 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367857493
Edition number: 3 New edition