Gong Kebyar

Gong Kebyar Bali Indonesian Gamelan Music Instruments

Gamelan gong Kebyar the type or types of gamelan music is most commonly available and most often staged in Bali. Physically Gong Kebyar is a simplification of Gong Gede with a reduction in the role or reduction of some fruit instrument. The word literally means Kebyar quickly, suddenly, and hard; reflect the type of gamelan gong Kebyar very dynamic, hard, and has a fast tempo. [3] Gamelan gong Kebyar has five basic tones called barrel pelog namely: nding, Ndong, ndeng, ndung, and ndang.

Gamelan gong Kebyar as the art of traditional Balinese music in the history of the written chronicle of Bali, gong Kebyar expected to appear in Singaraja in 1915.

Village mention as the origin of the appearance of Gong Kebyar is Jagaraga (Buleleng) who also started the tradition of dance Kebyar.

There is also other information that says that Gong Kebyar first appeared in the village Bungkulan (Buleleng). Art developments Kebyar Gong reaches one peak in 1925 with the arrival of a dancer Jauk named Ketut Mario from Tabanan are creating a dance Kebyar Sit or Kebyar Trompong.

Kebyar Gamelan Gong Gede sourced from,

Sourced from gamelan palegongan.

Pure new artificial.

The first has embat corresponding to embat gamelan gong gede is somewhat lower as numerous in North Bali. a second group embat equal to embat gamelan palegongan (source) that is somewhat high as the most likely in the southern part of Bali, gamelans Kebyar pure new artificial mostly air-embat being as found in various regions of Bali and outside Bali , This fact shows that there is no standardization embat for Kebyar Gamelan in Bali.

Also Named gong Kebyar, according to excerpts ekadarmaputra blog entry in the ISI, Gong Kebyar sounded for the first time caused tremendous shock. People have become stunned and cattle which were tied in the fields and in the cage apart and ran helter-skelter.

Also mentioned in the blog entry, gong Kebyar a wasp together and simultaneously followed by almost all the devices except tungguhan tungguhan on flute, Kajar, fiddle, kempul, bebende kemong, Kajar and Terompong.

Kebyar shape is one part of a whole gending location can be at the front, in the middle or at the end. Kebyar wasp type is often used in dance and percussion accompaniment petegak (instrumental). Therefore Kebyar has the feel of a very dynamic, hard with the hope that with the Kebyar to evoke the spirit.

Structure Gong Kebyar

Gong Kebyar is one device / barungan gambelan Bali consisting of five tones (five tones) with the barrel pelog, but each instrument consists of ten blades.

Gong Kebyar for the Balinese people are already familiar, since almost all villages and hamlets in Bali have one device / barungan Gong Kebyar.

Therefore gong Kebyar become one barungan gambelan relatively new when compared with other types of gambelan that exist today such as, for example, gambelan Xylophone, Gong Gde, slonding, Semara Pegulingan and many others.

Barungan gong Kebyar consists of:

Two (tungguh) pengugal / giying

Four (tungguh) pemade / Gansa

Four (tungguh) Kantilan

Two (tungguh) jublag

Two (tungguh) Penyacah

Two (tungguh) jegoggan

One fruit (tungguh) reong / riyong

One fruit (tungguh) Terompong

One pair of gongs lanang wadon

One fruit kempur

One kemong hanging fruit

One fruit bebende

One fruit kempli

One fruit (pangkon) molasses-syrup ricik

One pair of drum lanang wadon

One fruit Kajar

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Gong Kebyar, a captivating form of Balinese music, invites listeners on an auditory expedition through the vibrant rhythms and melodies of the Indonesian island. Originating in the 1910s, Gong Kebyar has evolved into a captivating spectacle, showcasing the intricate interplay of percussion, wind, and string instruments.

Origins and Evolution

The genesis of Gong Kebyar can be traced to the courts of central Bali, where it served as an accompaniment to traditional dance performances. As the music gained popularity, it underwent a series of transformations, incorporating elements from other Balinese musical styles and expanding its instrumentation. The addition of the gong kebyar, a large hanging gong, gave the ensemble its distinctive name.

Instrumentation

The Gong Kebyar ensemble comprises a diverse range of instruments, each contributing its unique voice to the overall soundscape. The backbone of the ensemble is the gong kebyar, played by two musicians who strike the gong with mallets to create a mesmerizing rhythmic foundation. Other percussion instruments include the kempur, a set of small gongs, and the kendang, a double-headed drum that provides intricate rhythmic patterns.

Wind instruments play a vital role in shaping the melodies of Gong Kebyar. The suling, a bamboo flute, adds a haunting and ethereal quality to the music. The terompong, a wooden xylophone, provides a bright and lively counterpoint.

String instruments, such as the rebab, a two-stringed fiddle, and the ceng-ceng, a set of small cymbals, add depth and texture to the ensemble. The rebab's plaintive melodies evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, while the ceng-ceng's shimmering sounds create a sense of excitement and energy.

Musical Structure

Gong Kebyar performances are characterized by their intricate and complex musical structure. The music is organized into a series of sections, each with its own distinct tempo, rhythm, and melodic material. These sections flow seamlessly into one another, creating a captivating and ever-evolving musical tapestry.

The opening section, known as the "ladrang," establishes the basic rhythmic and melodic framework of the piece. The tempo is slow and stately, allowing the instruments to introduce their individual voices. As the music progresses, the tempo gradually increases, leading to a series of increasingly lively and energetic sections.

The climax of a Gong Kebyar performance is the "tegak," a section characterized by a rapid and intricate rhythmic interplay between the instruments. The gong kebyar takes center stage, providing a thunderous and hypnotic backdrop to the virtuosic displays of the other instruments.

Cultural Significance

Gong Kebyar holds a deep cultural significance in Bali, where it is considered a sacred and integral part of traditional ceremonies and rituals. The music is often performed at temple festivals, weddings, and other important events. It is also an important part of the Balinese education system, with many children learning to play the instruments at a young age.

Contemporary Gong Kebyar

In recent decades, Gong Kebyar has undergone a period of revitalization and innovation. Contemporary composers and musicians have experimented with new forms and interpretations of the traditional style, incorporating elements from other musical genres and exploring new possibilities for the ensemble.

Today, Gong Kebyar continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic art form, captivating audiences around the world with its rich and enchanting rhythms and melodies. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of Balinese culture and the boundless creativity of its people.