Gong Kebyar de Sebatu

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Gong Kebyar de Sebatu is a Balinese gamelan ensemble from Sebatu, a village on Bali. Gong kebyar is a style of Balinese gamelan, an orchestra of mainly metal percussion instruments such as gongs and metallophones, supplemented by drums and cymbals. The style arose in the early twentieth century and is known for its sudden, fierce changes in tempo and volume. The word kebyar refers to such a sudden outburst. Little information is available about the group from Sebatu itself, so this entry is limited to the tradition.

Music and breakthrough

In a gong kebyar many musicians play at once, often in fast, interlocking patterns. Two players complement each other and together form a single high, sparkling melodic line. A drummer leads the ensemble and signals the transitions. Taruna Djaja (1972, in the old spelling) is a piece from this tradition.

Influence

For anyone who listens to pop, gong kebyar is interesting for hearing how a large group together forms a single rhythmic whole without harmonic chords. In the twentieth century the music also became known outside Bali and inspired Western composers and electronic musicians.

Listening

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  Taruna Djaja · Gong Kebyar de Sebatu, 1972