21M.065 Introduction to Musical Composition Fall 2007 Notes on listening assignment for Balinese and Gamelan Music Evan Ziporyn Kecak Sometimes known as the 'monkey chant,' this vocal 'gamelan' has its roots in pre-Hindu trance ceremonies. Traditionally performed by all male villagers, it embodies all the musical and social principles of Balinese music. I Wayan Lotring - "Pengrangrang Gede/Simbar" The sound of 'classical' Balinese gamelan as it transitions into modernity - by Wayan Lotring, considered the father of Balinese composition. The sound is of the gamelan semar pegulingan, a chamber gamelan traditionally used to accompany royal lovemaking; but this piece has no particular programmatic content. Note the balance between ametricism and cycle, the elegance and simplicity of the melodies, the gradual accrual of energy through repetition and interruption. Cudamani - "Taruna Jaya" Balinese 'gong kebyar' - the explosive modern style - in its full flower. The style originated around the same time as modernism appeared in the west, though independently. This version revives the original North Bali rendition, which dates from around 1920. The title, 'Victorious Youth,' refers to a legendary Balinese king, which in homage to classical Balinese dance is played by a woman. Dewa Ketut Alit "Geregel” 21st century Balinese gamelan, composed by Dewa Ketut Alit & performed by his village ensemble, Cudamani. The piece expands radically on the traditional ideas of mode, cycle & orchestration through the incorporation of extra pitches, modulation, additive rhythms, while retaining its connection to these core Balinese musical values. Evan Ziporyn "Tire Fire" From 1995, Balinese gamelan (MIT's own Galak Tika, on the very instruments you'll be playing) with guitars, bass, and keyboard. A live performance from New York's Zankel Hall MIT OpenCourseWare http://ocw.mit.edu 21M.065 Introduction to Music Composition Fall 2009 For information about citing these materials or our Terms of Use, visit: http://ocw.mit.edu/terms. .