Marama Hall was filled with the sound of the Puspawarna Gamelan Ensemble during yesterday's lunchtime concert.
The 16-piece ensemble, which began in 1995, is still directed by its founder, ethnomusicologist Dr Joko Susilo.
Gamelan is a collective term for various Indonesian instrumental ensembles, and the Puspawarna ensemble at the University of Otago is in classical style, in the lineage of the royal courts of central Java.
The music performed is based on a Central Indonesian seven-note scale, and the works performed yesterday all sounded "similar in key" but were very varied in their nuance, rhythms and general interpretation.
Ladrang Epikuros featured solo overlay from violin and cello and was composed by American Lou Harrison (1917-2003). Pleasant lyricism and interpreted with changing strengths and tempo.
Swara Suling translates as the sound of the flute, and four Indonesian singers provided text with a compelling melody line which although totally unfamiliar, lingered in the mind later.
Prahu Layar was louder, with more intense texture, and both items were examples of music written for shadow puppet performances.
Ladrang Asmaradana was introduced and sung by Joko Susilo, as being a piece played during a particular puppet performance scene when the King and Queen meet in the inner chamber. Apparently, R16 dialogue if translated.
The final work, Lancaran Singonebah, referred to the courage of a lion and would accompany noble puppetry characters as they battled evil forces. An interesting and informative recital of ethnic music.
- Elizabeth Bouman
