Hybrid Lecture by Sinta Wullur: The Gamelan Experience

The lecture explores attitudes, techniques, and theories derived from Gamelan, the traditional music of Java and Bali, focusing on its bronze instruments and unique percussion orchestra. Gamelan emphasizes cooperation, cyclical time, hierarchy, and unity in diversity, offering educational value and fostering a new social culture. Played only during ceremonies, gamelan’s interconnected musical patterns promote a collective social attitude, contrasting with Western individualism. Additionally, gamelan has significantly inspired New Art Music, with composers like Steve Reich and Philip Glass drawing from its repetitive and cyclical nature, similar to African musical traditions.

Bio
Sinta Wullur began her musical journey as a classical pianist, completing her conservatory training in 1982. She then delved into Indonesian and Asian music, studying Balinese and Javanese Gamelan, as well as Indian singing from 1983 onwards.