This post elaborates on Balinese culture from the perspective of Balinese gamelan. Trance is a common phenomenon in Balinese culture and is a part of the Balinese Hindu-Buddhist religion. It is believed that trance indicates possession by a spirit -- either a good or evil one -- and the possessed person speaks with the spirit's voice, which gives instructions for offerings or ceremonies or helping to heal. In the context of gamelan, entranced dancers are elemental of temple festivals and dalangs (leader of the trope) may become entranced too during the course of the music. This fact highlights the shamanistic beliefs embedded in the Balinese culture, which are manifested through gamelan. And through gamelan, communication with the spirits is enabled.
In contrast to the refined, elite-led gamelan in Java where the music is played and celebrated in the Royal Courts, Balinese gamelan is not centralized the artistic knowledge in one elite class. Rather, the Balinese gamelan is enjoyed horizontally; that is, the music is spread out throughout the island and celebrated communally -- in contrast to Javanese gamelan celebrated more vertically. I saw this firsthand when I was in Bali last two summers ago. Whereas gamelan would be enjoyed in the midst of an intellectual caste at a High Court, the Balinese gathered around at a performance center in its capital to listen to and enjoy different tropes from around Bali. The three-day event was informal and welcoming.
Source:
"Relationships of Musical and Cultural Contrasts in Java and Bali." Fredric Lieberman.
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