'Gambang' Techniques: Aspects of Regionalism in Java and Bali

Abstract

This thesis investigates the use of wood and bamboo keyed xylophones, often known by the name gambang, throughout the islands of Java and Bali; analysing playing styles in the dominant cultural centres of Java (Solo and Yogyakarta), Sunda (Bandung), and of the gambang areas of Bali (Negara and Tenganan), and thus to create broad divisions within the thesis; examining playing patterns from lessons and transcriptions and placing those variations and developments in an historico-cultural context; and examining in particular the xylophone practices of the border regions of Banyuwangi and Cirebon, comparing them with general models for the regions surrounding them, thus seeking signatures distinctive to each area. In so doing the thesis investigates issues of local, regional and national identity, and questions in what ways these have affected the distinctive styles of each area, and whether any dominant cultures (including the West) have changed the old and new traditions of Indonesian gambang playing. In the process of this investigation guidelines to understanding and creating gambang variations are established that might assist future researchers.