CultureJuly 17, 2026
gamelan
/ˈɡæməlæn/
Definition
A traditional Indonesian instrumental ensemble, typically consisting primarily of percussive instruments like metallophones, drums, and gongs.
Etymology
The word comes from the Javanese word 'gamel,' meaning 'to strike' or 'hammer,' reflecting the act of hitting the instruments. It entered English in the late 19th century to describe the distinctive percussive musical orchestras found in Indonesia.
In the news
In the article, the ensemble Sambasunda uses the resonant sounds of the gamelan to ground their performance in Sundanese musical tradition before blending it with modern genres like jazz and rock.
Between mountain and sea, ASEAN’s music evolves
Read the full article ↗Asia News Network