Javanese Gamelan and the West
- 220 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Preeminant gamelan performer and scholar Sumarsam explores the concept of hybridity in performance traditions that have developed in the context of Javanese encounters with the West.
Sumarsam Books
Sumarsam is a Javanese musician and a leading scholar of gamelan, whose lifelong dedication to this traditional Indonesian musical art has shaped his academic and artistic journey. His profound understanding of gamelan, cultivated through formal education and extensive teaching, allows him to delve into its intricate complexities. Through his research and lectures, he has contributed to the comprehension of the historical contexts and theoretical underpinnings of Javanese music, analyzing the 'inner melody' of gamelan. His work serves as a bridge between traditional Javanese musical practices and the Western academic world, enriching global appreciation for this rich musical heritage.
Gamelan
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
This work analyzes the music of Java and the development of the gamelan, an ensemble dominated by bronze percussion instruments. Drawing on sources ranging from 12th-century poetry to 20th-century nationalistic writing, it examines historical sources and contemporary cultural theory and criticism.
The In-Between in Javanese Performing Arts
History and Myth, Interculturalism and Interreligiosity
- 288 pages
- 11 hours of reading
Exploring the intricate interplay of myth and history, this comprehensive overview of Javanese performing arts highlights the significance of wayang and gamelan. Renowned scholar Sumarsam draws from his extensive experience to examine the dualities that shape these art forms and their evolution across various contexts, from traditional village rituals to contemporary cultural expressions. Through rigorous historical case studies, the book reveals how these performances reflect and influence Javanese culture, identity, and artistic expression, making it a vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.