Marama Hall was filled with the sound of the Puspawarna
Gamelan Ensemble during yesterday's lunchtime concert.
The 16-piece ensemble, which began in 1995, is still directed
by its founder, ethnomusicologist Dr Joko Susilo.
Gamelan is a collective term for various Indonesian
instrumental ensembles, and the Puspawarna ensemble at the
University of Otago is in classical style, in the lineage of
the royal courts of central Java.
The music performed is based on a Central Indonesian
seven-note scale, and the works performed yesterday all
sounded "similar in key" but were very varied in their
nuance, rhythms and general interpretation.
Ladrang Epikuros featured solo overlay from violin and
cello and was composed by American Lou Harrison (1917-2003).
Pleasant lyricism and interpreted with changing strengths and
tempo.
Swara Suling translates as the sound of the flute, and
four Indonesian singers provided text with a compelling
melody line which although totally unfamiliar, lingered in
the mind later.
Prahu Layar was louder, with more intense texture, and
both items were examples of music written for shadow puppet
performances.
Ladrang Asmaradana was introduced and sung by Joko
Susilo, as being a piece played during a particular puppet
performance scene when the King and Queen meet in the inner
chamber. Apparently, R16 dialogue if translated.
The final work, Lancaran Singonebah, referred to the
courage of a lion and would accompany noble puppetry
characters as they battled evil forces. An interesting and
informative recital of ethnic music.
- Elizabeth Bouman
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