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The nature of gamelan |
We already know some fundamental aspects of gamelan :
What is the history of these aspects, what are their origins ? Have they all appeared at the same time, at the origins ? Are some, on the contrary, later than gamelan's birth ? Let's notice straight away that they go well together. There is a certain logic linking each to the others. The emergences or evolutions of these aspects are hence linked between themselves too. They are part of a continuum that is solid and ancient in Asia's luxuriant south-east. Taken one at a time, some aspects are not unique to gamelan, what matters is their place in the continuum. It is there that they become unique and inherent in this music. If there is a kind of continuum putting together all these aspects, that is not enough to get gamelan. The nature of gamelan comes from a certain esthetic quality as well. This esthetic quality enlivens each of these aspects, moves the music. This music dances, yes, but what kind of dance ? We should describe the esthetic quality of this dance, feel it, taste its flavor. Comes now an important question : the origins of gamelan and the origins of its nature are they common or different ? Can the fundamental aspects of gamelan exist without such an esthetic quality ? By way of answer, here are two hypotheses :
We must also see that gamelan belongs, or belonged, to the civilization that harbors/harbored it. It was natural that the cultural traits of this civilization be reflected in its music, its dance, etc. |
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