Gamelan

Question 1

Gamelan music: Instruments

Answer 1

• Kempli:
  - A single gong
  - Divides the cycle into regular beats
  - Coordinate the ensemble
• Kemong:
  - small hanging gong
• Kempur:
  - Medium sized gong
• Gong (Ageng):
  - The largest and most important gong in the ensemble
• Kendhang:
  - Pair of two-headed drums

Question 2

Gamelan music

Answer 2

• Pentatonic subset: D, Eb, F, A, Bb
• Every Gamelan has unique tuning
• Pairs of instruments are tuned slightly differently
• Core melody often played by the Ugal (metallophone)
• Rhythm is fundamental in Gamelan
• Strict pulse
• Layered texture