Concept and Treatment in Javanese Gamelan Music, with Reference to the Gambang

Abstract

In Javanese gamelan performance, the gambang (xylophone) part is not completely fixed. The part one performer plays on the gambang for a certain composition may differ in detail or even broad outline from that of another performer, though both will be characterized by steady rapid figuration, played mostly in octaves and spanning several octaves in range. To a lesser extent, two performances of the same composition by the same performer will show some differences. For gambang, and indeed many of the other parts, it is the rhythmic density, melodic style, and texture rather than the precise melodic content that are fixed by tradition. Gambang playing-and Javanese gamelan playing in general--operates essentially within an oral (aural) tradition. Notation systems may function as reminders to gamelan players but are not normally used in performance.