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Course Description

Summary

A practicum in playing and hearing the gamelan, the Central Javanese percussion orchestra. Students will learn about court and local traditions of Indonesia while playing classic works of karawitan (loosely translated as “weaving”), the multilayered repertoire of Central Java. Weekly rehearsals will focus on navigating the intricate levels of irama (rhythm), pathet (tonality), and the ornate elaboration of the balungan, or basic skeletal melody. Performers will be expected to play all instruments—from gong to metallophones—while orally learning and memorizing tunes. The course will culminate in a performance. Students will also be expected to master readings on karawitan, and regularly practice and meet for outside lessons.