Gamelan

/ˈɡæm.ə.læn/ noun

Definition

A traditional Indonesian musical ensemble made up of percussion instruments like gongs, xylophones, and drums, playing complex interlocking rhythms.

Etymology

From Javanese 'gamelan,' possibly derived from 'gamel' meaning 'to strike or handle.' Refers to both the instruments and the ensemble style.

Kelly Says

Gamelan music sounds like organized chaos—dozens of players striking gongs at slightly different times create waves of shimmering sound that seem to flow as one organism, and there's no conductor because players listen to each other in an almost telepathic way.

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