The sounds of the gamelan ring throughout the fields of Bali. They resonate in the hearts of all those who have been privilege to hearing their melody. The gamelan is the heart of Balinese music. Comprised of over 50 instruments, the gamelan is an entire percussion orchestra consisting of a variety of instruments, including the metal xylophone, which is the main instrument of musical composition. The word "gamelan" originates from the Javanese word "gamel", which means "to handle". The musicians, who are all male, must handle a mallet or hammer in order to play the metal instruments. There are over 25 types of gamelan. The gamelan is the main source of inspiration during most Balinese performances, such as the Topeng dance, where the gamelan ensemble spontaneously composes the music according to the dancer's movements. Not only do the musicians become "one" with each other, which ensures the performance is perfectly in sync, the musicians "tune into" the dancers, allowing the dancers to inspire the musical composition. 

The gamelan is also the most important instrument during Balinese ceremonies. Musical expression is a form of spiritual expression that allows the spirits to express themselves through sound. Music is a medium that allows the Balinese to communicate with the Gods and spirits. Some of the ceremonial gamelans are even believed to be magically charged. The gamelans are always blessed before a performance and given offerings. Gamelan music is still performed in local communities throughout Bali.

Visitors can listen to the gamelan during many nightly performances, such as the Barong dance, the Kecak Fire Dance, the Legong Dance, and many other performances. Visitors can also learn to play the gamelan at certain venues. 

Find gamelan courses in the Events Calendar. It's music to your ears!