Gamelan Bali, Traditional Musical Instruments From Bali

Balinese gamelan is a kind of traditional gamelan instruments originating from Bali. Balinese gamelan has some differences with other gamelan instruments, both in terms of shape and how to play it. This Balinese Gamelan instrument is usually displayed as a companion to an art performance in Bali, whether it is sacred or entertainment.

The Origin of Balinese Gamelan

According to historical sources, this Balinese gamelan has existed since ancient times. It can be seen from the inscription Bebetin in Bali Province, which mentions that the gamelan has existed since the year 896 AD, namely during the reign of King Ugrasena in Bali. But on the inscription is said at that time the Balinese Gamelan is slightly simpler than the present.



Starting from the VIII century at the time of the relationship between the kingdoms in Java and Bali, bringing some of the arts such as Javanese gamelan musical instruments into Bali although still a separate instrument. This makes the Gamelan Bali at first glance almost the same as the Java Gamelan. Yet even though this Balinese Gamelan instrument still has some characteristic that makes it different from Javanese Gamelan music instrument, one of them is how to play the instrument. When compared with the game of Javanese Gamelan instruments, this Balinese gamelan is played with a faster tempo.

Type of Balinese Gamelan

Balinese Gamelan musical instrument is grouped into 3 groups, including the old gamelan, gamelan madya and also a new gamelan. In the old gamelan groups, there are instruments such as gambang, saron, iron gong, gong luwang, selonding iron, selonding wood, angklung kelentang and also gender puppet. Then in the middle gamelan, there are instruments such as semarpagulingan, pelegongan, bebarongan, rekambling, jogged pingitan, babonangan, gong gangsa squat, and ringdik gandrung. While in the new gamelan there are instruments such as gong kebyar, warriors, angklung slats 7, pengajjaan, jogged bung-bung, and also distilled gong.

The function of Balinese Gamelan

This Balinese Gamelan instrument is very difficult to separate from Balinese life. Because when viewed from its function, this Balinese Gamelan is often used in accompanying religious ceremonies and also entertainment. In terms of religion, this Balinese Gamelan is often displayed in accompaniment of the passage of religious ceremonies or in accompaniment of traditional dances that are sacred. While in terms of entertainment, Balinese Gamelan is often displayed as a musical performance or accompaniment of various arts that are entertainment in the province of Bali.

The Development of Balinese Gamelan

This Balinese gamelan is one of the art tools that can not be separated from Balinese people. because if viewed from its function, in addition to being used as a comedy accompaniment of entertainment, this Balinese Gamelan is also a part of religious ceremonies there. So that the art of gamelan is still continuously preserved and also taught by generations by the people who are there.

Rindik, Traditional Musical Instruments From Bali

Rindik is a traditional Balinese musical instrument. This instrument is made of bamboo pieces. Bamboo is used to make Rindik is usually the bamboo option, so it is not easy to break and will produce a good sound. This traditional musical instrument is played by being beaten by using the percussion instrument alternately so it will produce a melodious sound.

Function of the Musical Instrument Rindik

In Bali itself, Rindik musical instrument is a traditional musical instrument is quite famous. This instrument is usually displayed as one of the musical instruments accompaniment in a dance performances bumbung. In addition, Rindik is often featured in accompanying the wedding ceremony or reception. The strains of her distinctive voice are perfect for making the atmosphere even more romantic.

Form of Musical Instruments Rindik

Rindik musical instrument is a musical instrument made of bamboo that has been cut into pieces and arranged in accordance with its size. The number of pieces of bamboo usually consists of 11 (eleven) fruits to 13 (thirteen) pieces. Each bamboo fruit has a different size and tone. The larger the size of the bamboo, it will be more low-pitched, Conversely, if the bamboo is getting smaller, then the bamboo will be higher the resulting tone. The bamboo is arranged on a place (pelawah) starting from the lowest tone in the left corner until the highest tone at the right angle.



The tone generated by this Rindik musical instrument is a Pentatonic or Slendro tone, which means it has only 5 main tones. Rindik musical instrument is played by using 2 (two) pieces of batons made of rubber and also has different sizes. Large hammers are usually used in the left hand as well as vice versa. This is because the leftmost tone is lower so that when played there is a balance of tone.

How To Play Musical Instruments Rindik

The way to play Rindik also requires special skills and also a suitable feel. Rindik musical instrument is usually played with both hands, where the function of both is also different. On the right hand to play the kotekan, while on the left-hand plays melody. So that if combined will produce a very melodious sound.



Players of the musical instrument Rindik also distinguished into 2 (two) kinds, the first to play the principal of the song or gendhing, and the other to play sangsih. If both are combined then it will produce a very harmonious sound. In the game of this instrument, there is also a punch technique called ngundil, which is a punch technique done with the left-hand sangsih player where the punch will intersperse the blow from the left hand of the principal player who has been varied. In the dance performances, the technique is often called jegog.

Development of Musical Instruments Rindik

In its development, Rindik music instrument became one of the more traditional musical instruments that are more flexible and have more functions. Besides can be used as a dance accompaniment, Rindik music instruments can also be displayed as musical performances such as for wedding reception and reception. It can also be displayed at cultural festivals, welcoming large guests and at other cultural events.