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Sundanese Gamelan
The wistful charms of Sundanese gamelan degung can reportedly be traced back to the Bajajalan dynasty (1333-1579), and continued to develop during Dutch rule. It is usually performed by a small ensemble of seven musicians playing various gongs; suspended (jengglong), metallophones (a metal barred xylophone called Bonang) and two types of sarons or glockenspiels. The rhythm is supported by the double headed wooden barrel drum the kendang, although the most distinctive instrument is the suling, a bamboo flute.
Pop Sunda
Pop Sunda is the pop music of Western Java, that begun in the 1970s, although originally only performed on Western instruments, later traditional instruments were utilized. One of the best known singers is Detty Kurnia. Bandung, the main city of the Sunda area is also home to some musicians who mix Sundanese traditions with other Indonesian and outside influences, most notably perhaps, Sambasunda.
Jaipong
Created by Dr. Gugum Gumbira, where Sundanese gamelan meets rock 'n' roll, updating village ritual music with martial art moves, a percussion based style, with unpredictable rhythms and eerie sounds.
Tembang Sunda
Singing style of Sundanese music, with poetry accompanied by kacapi (zither) suling (flute) and the occasional rebab (violin).
Kroncong
A vocal music accompanied by guitar and other stringed/ instruments, occasionally instrumental. One of the earliest forms of 'pop' music that reached it's height of popularity in the 1940s, recently revitalised by singers including Hetty Koes Endang.
Dangdut
The street music of Indonesia, particularly Jakarta. Dangdut started in the 70s, by mixing indiginous sounds, rock and latin music. Still today extremely popular, especially the 'Queen' Elvy Sukaesih, and the 'King' of Dangdut, Rhoma Irama.
Pop Java / Indonesia
The pop music of Java, mainly of Eastern and Central Java and quite distinct from Sundanese or West Java music. And the generic pop music from Indonesia.
Balinese Gamelan
Probably the best known Indonesian music outside the country, the Hindu music for the gods. There are many types of gamelan orchestras, from metallic small groups, to huge kecak (vocal) and jegog (bamboo) groups. See also JVC World Sounds and King World Music Library for variety of Balinese gamelan music.
Others
Gambang Kromong music from Java, featuring Benyamin S., Balinese spiritual and the excellent Marsada from Sumatra
Compilations
Rough Guide to the Music of Indonesia, plus excellent recordings from the islands of Roti and Lombok.
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