Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
Music and dance play an essential part in daily Balinese life, and as a visitor you can't
fail to experience them, either at a special tourist show, in rehearsal or at a temple fest-
ival. Ubud and its neighbouring villages have long had a reputation for their superb
dance troupes and gamelan orchestras, and villagers supplement their incomes by do-
ing regular shows in temple courtyards and village compounds. Although not exactly
authentic - most shows comprise a medley of highlights from the more dramatic temple
dances - the quality is generally high and spectators are given English-language syn-
opses. Ubud is also the place to take lessons in the performing arts. To see wholly au-
thentic performances you'll need to find out about imminent temple festivals or attend
rehearsals, most of which take place in the local
banjar
after sundown; you'll probably
be welcome to watch. Lombok also has a vibrant tradition of music and dance, rarely
witnessed by casual visitors to the island, since it's associated almost exclusively with
religious practices.
DISCOGRAPHY OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC
All the following are available to download. Alternatively, try any of the tourist CD shops
on Bali, or Ganesha Books in Ubud and Sanur (
ganeshabooksbali.com
)
.
Angklung 1 Sidarkarya
(Maharani;
bali-maharani.com
). Ceremonial classics played
by a small, light, processional gamelan orchestra.
Bali: Gamelan and Kecak
(Nonesuch;
nonesuch.com
). A fine cross-section, including
gong kebyar
,
gender wayang
, Kecak and
genggong
.
Degung Instrumental: Sabilulungan
(Maharani;
bali-maharani.com
). Not strictly
Balinese, but played in every tourist restaurant and shop, this is typical Sundanese (West
Javan)
degung
featuring the softer gamelan and a prominent bamboo flute.
Gamelan Gong Kebyar of “Eka Cita” Abian Kapas Kaja
(King World Music Library;
www.farsidemusic.com
)
. A terrific example of the Balinese
kebyar
style.
Gamelan Semar Pegulingan: The Heavenly Orchestra of Bali
(CMP;
discogs.com
)
.
Sonorous recording of the gentle, older gamelan from Kamasan.
Music for the Gods
(Rykodisc;
amazon.com
)
. Fascinating music from the 1940s, recor-
ded by anthropologists Bruce and Sheridan Fahnestock.
Balinese performing arts
Traditionally,
Balinese
dancers and musicians have always learnt their craft from the experts
in their village and by imitating other performers. Since the 1960s, however, arts students
