Abstract

ABSTRACT Timbre, which traditionally was put in the background of musical compositions, now starts to gain a presence in the foreground of contemporary gamelan compositions. It does so to the extent that it dominates other musical parameters; it blurs the distinction between timbre, harmony, rhythm, and many other elements. In this paper, I analyse the rise of timbre as a compositional parameter by looking at new gamelan works after the year 2010. This includes the works of Septian Dwi Cahyo, Irene Tanuwidjaja, Dion Nataraja, Dieter Mack, Putu Septa, Arham Aryadi, Arya Deva Suryanegara, and Yan Priya Kumara Janardhana. Aside from this primary analysis, I also trace the development of the discourse regarding timbre in the gamelan tradition by looking at historical precursors in the twentieth century, such as works by I Wayan Sadra, Pande Made Sukerta, Aloysius Suwardi, Ki Tjokrowasito, and Ki Nartosabdho. I connect my analysis with various critical theories by writers ranging from Bhabha to Derrida to demonstrate that the rise of timbre has brought the gamelan tradition to its breaking point, yet, it is still in relation to that tradition; it is a state of tradition in suspension.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.