Programme

One of the most characteristic musical elements of Indonesia is the gamelan, an instrumental ensemble consisting mainly of percussion instruments, mainly metal. Gongs and sheet metallophones are joined by drums and, depending on the type of gamelan, its social function and the region, flutes, plucked string instruments or voices.

This instrumental ensemble associated with pre-Islamic Hindu forms occupies a central place mainly in the islands of Bali and Java, and its presence is central to almost all traditional celebrations, dances and theatrical performances.

The Barcelona Music Museum has a Balinese gamelan in musical use from which the Gamelan Barasvara group was created, a resident group at the Museum and dedicated to the study and interpretation of Balinese music, both traditional and contemporary.

On this occasion, the group has prepared, together with specialists Kendra Stepputat and AABG Krishna Putra Sutedja, a repertoire based on the traditions of the Beleganjur gamelan, a processional ensemble associated, among others, with the ceremonies of cremation, purification of the soul and preparation for the reincarnation of the deceased.