Gamelan of Central Java – 20 EVOCATIVE MUSIC FROM KRATONS AND PALACES

Track 1 – 14:41 – Istana Mangkunegaran

First stanza of Ktw Puspa Warna at night from the garden surrounding the Pendopo. The three ceremonial gamelans – Kodok Ngorek (Croaking Frog),  Munggang,  Carabalen.
Recordings made on 25 July, 2003, Surakarta.

Track 2 – 15:22 – Pura Paku Alaman

Morning rehearsal of bedhaya dances.
Recording made on 18 June, 1995, Yogyakarta.

Track 3 – 14:39 – Kraton Yogyakarta

Midday gamelan rehearsal with a natural superposition of azan (muezzin chant).
Sequence from a formal performance of the bedhaya dance Semang – introduction, gendhing, final exit march (mares) with Western trumpet and drum.
Recordings made on 12 and 19 June, 1995.

Track 4 – 21:28  – Kraton Surakarta

The peaceful, scintillating sound of gamelan Kaduk Manis playing Gd Babar Layar.
A taste of the islamic music – santi swara – using chorus, terbang (rebana) drums, and kemanak, during the Sekaten celebrations.
A beginning of the over 90-minute-long fascination of the Kraton’s Bedhaya Ketawang.