For most Indonesians, gamelan is an integral part of Indonesian culture

Although the popularity of gamelan has declined since the introduction of

pop music, gamelan is still commonly played in formal occasions

and in many traditional Indonesian ceremonies

For most Indonesians, gamelan is an integral part of Indonesian culture

Gamelan is traditional ensemble music of Java and Bali, made up

predominantly of percussive instruments

The word gamelan comes from the low Javanese word gamel, which may refer to a type of mallet used to strike instruments or the act of striking with a mallet

The gamelan predates the Hindu-Buddhist culture that dominated Indonesia in its earliest records and instead represents a native art form

Tirta Sari...Every friday evening, dancers and musicians of Peliatan, on the Balerung Stage in Peliatan

Click on the pictures to enlarge

We enjoyed the wonderful performance of the dancers and musicians

Once a week, on Friday evening, the 37 musicians and 21 dancers give

a high quality performance

Part 1 Instrumental: Sekar Gendot

The opening section of this purely instrumental work adapts music played by the

four genders that accompany the wayang kulit (Shadow puppet play)

Part 2 Puspa Mekar

In this dance, which derives from the temple, offering is made to the

audience as a welcome and blessing

Part 3 Legong Lasem

This Legong is based on an event of the 12th or 13th Century

The first character is Condong, a lady of the court

She is joined by Prince Lasem and Princess Rangkesari of Daha

The story begin when the Condong leaves Lasem has abducted Rangkesari

When he pleeds for her love she reject him and than the crow prince release her

Part 4 Kebyar Terompong

The famous dancer, Mario from Tabananan, caused a sensation throughout Bali

The dance incorporates the use of the instrumental called terompong

Part 5 Legong Jobog

This dance is based on the story of two bothers, king Bali and Sugriwa,

who were turned into monkeys

At the beginning of the dance they are living peaceful together but after

some time we see the two as monkeys

Finally when neither one wins or loses they become tired and recognize each as Bali and Sugriwa, see that they have been changed into monkey and become very sad

Part 6 Barong (dragon like figure) Taru Pramana

In this classical drama and dance, Ciwa, who in charge for “Swarga Loka” (heaven) is being sick and need to be treated by a special remedy taken from

a plant called ‘’Kayu Mendep”

After an exhausting search his wife is finally succesful to get the remedy