Gamelan of Central Java

Gamelan of Central Java
Surakarta Music Conservatory
Arion 64629 (3 CDs)

Contents:

    CD 1 - Flowers
  1. Ketawang "Puspa Warna" (9 stanzas; slendro manyura)
  2. Gendhing bonang "Kembang Gempol" (pelog lima)
  3. Gendhing "Kembang Mara" (pelog lima)
  4. Ladrang "Sekar Gadhung" (slendro manyura)
    CD 2 - The Meditative Gender
  1. Pathetan "Wantah" (pelog lima)
  2. Ketawang "Pangkur Ngrenas&quo;t (pelog lima)
  3. Macapat "Pangkur" (one strophe; pelog nem)
  4. Ladrang "Gadhung Mlati" (slendro sanga)
  5. Macapat "Pangkur" (one strophe; pelog nem)
  6. Jineman "Uler Kambang" (pelog nem)
  7. Bawa "Puspanjana" (slendro sanga)
  8. Grimingan & Ada-Ada (slendro sanga)
  9. Gendhing "Lalermenggeng" (slendro sanga)
  10. Jineman "Uler Kambang" (slendro sanga)
    CD 3 - Colours
  1. Bonang instruments in Gendhing "Tukung" (pelog barang)
  2. Gender opening of Ladrang "Gadhung Mlati" (slendro sanga)
  3. Kemanak improvisation for four players
  4. Kendhang & bonang in Gangsaran
  5. Voice & kendhang ending of Gendhing "Anglirmendung"
  6. Rebab pathetan pelog for three players
  7. Rebab pathetan slendro for three players
  8. Bonang instruments in Gendhing "Danaraja" (slendro sanga)
  9. Kendhang solo suite
  10. Gender pathetan pelog
  11. Gender improvisation (pelog)
  12. Voice & four instruments ending of Gendhing "Kombang Mara" (pelog lima)
  13. Gongs
  14. Gamelan gadon Pathetan Wantah (pelog barang)

Performers: Nyi Cendaniraras (pesindhen), Ibu Pringga (gender), Djoko Raharjo (gender), Sri Hartono (kendhang); Darno, Darsono, Hadi Boediono, Nyoman Sukerna, Panggiyo, Prasadinyanto, Rusdiyantoro, Rustopo, Sarno, Sigit Astono, Slamet Riyadi, Sukamso, Supardi, Waridi (ancient gamelan of STSI)

Playing time: 71' + 46' + 45'

Recording dates: June 2002, 2002, 1999-2001 (Surakarta)

The first disc presents what might be described as more complete concert pieces, whereas the next two discs highlight various elements of constituents of Javanese gamelan playing. Indeed, the first disc is one I could recommend, but I cannot really suggest buying the entire 3CD set unless one is very interested in breaking the gamelan into these constituents. It can certainly be informative, however.

Where appropriate, tracks are given as:
Genre "Title" (verses; scale mode)

The liner notes feature an extensive discussion in English & French.

To purchasing information for this disc.

To Javanese music page.

T. M. McComb