Selonding Topeng by Bali Gamelan Sound

Recorded in a traditional Balinese Hindu temple birthday celebration, this research shows a Masked Dance "Topeng" in full performance with the native Gamelan ensamble "Selonding", which is the only group of instruments originated from desa Tenganang, original from the island of Bali.

Usually Topeng performances are performed for Gong Kebyar, but in this experimentation the group researchs the sound vibration with a native ensamble.

The result is an impressing ryhthmic work with the energy spreaded as a cleansing and rebirth ceremony.

Tracklist

1.	Topeng Keras	5:29

2.	Topeng Tua	8:59

3.	Topeng Penasar	5:29

4.	Topeng Dalem	3:00

5.	Topeng Werda Lumayu	3:43

6.	Topeng Sidhakarya	8:53

7.	Renteng	3:29

8.	Ari Anom Selonding	7:17

Credits

released October 19, 2024

Performed by Sanggar Gita Pingit, di upacara odalan, Desa Tegalalang, Gianyar Bali Indonesia, bulan april 2022.
www.instagram.com/gita_pingit/

Tukang Kendang Wira Guna,

This is a documentary process of recording Balinese Traditional Gamelan music, started in the year 2020.

Traditions have changed over time, but ancient musical compositions are adapted to nowadays life.

Agustín Oscar Rissotti, an Argentinian student of the University ISI Denpasar (Bali), developed an idea to join as many rehearsals, ensembles and religious ceremonies as possible with small microphones and recording equipment, to document the authentique "Bali Gamelan Sound".

In Bali, most live performances are meant to be performed for the Gods. There is no egoistic purpose in this performances, but to admire the beauty of this world through the eyes of Hindu Balinese religion.

As for his ears, this is "The authentique Bali Sound", full of conversations around, people passing by, laughs, music of different performances played together (as it is meant to be in several Balinese Hindu ceremonies where -more than 1- ensembles are playing music very close to each other -at the same time-), background noises, sounds of coffee cups and arak shoots (traditional homemade alcohol beverage), breath of cigarettes, animals hollowing around, hundreds of motorbikes passing by, and even mother nature earthquakes.

With all my respect, this is the vision of a South Latin American guy who ended up studying Balinese Culture and living in the Island before, during and after the pandemic.

I hope this can translate you to the world I am living in.

Thankyou, I hope you will enjoy this music.
Astungkara, Matur suksema.

A special mention and gratitude for Bli Wira Guna, for inviting me to this ceremony.

All the economic contributions made to this project are spent in developing the Balinese Culture and Artists.

Please donate buying the records in Bandcamp.

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