On a daily basis, Java may be just known as a brand name for its coffee, but tonight, its puppets made a debut in tonight’s gamelan concert at Olin. Also known as “wayang“, these Indonesian shadow puppets were the stars of the performance- acting out their story (via the puppet master) as the Bates College Gamelan Orchestra accompanied their adventures. The show was quite a refreshing departure from the typical Hollywood cinema flick- a three-in-one violence, romance, and comedy equivalent of a movie blockbuster.
Gamelan players seated, poised to hit the next note.
I must admit, when I first heard the gamelan played live for the first time during freshman year, my ears rang. I thought the sounds the instrument produced were the most eerily jarring, discordant screeches I’d ever heard. Having been used to playing classically mellifluous instruments (violin, piano, and recorder) for years, I guess the gamelan’s raucuous cries clamored me out of my comfort zone. After learning that it’s not only a series of strange bells but rather an ensemble of xylophones, drums, gongs, flutes, and strings, this instrument has also re-”pitched” my conventional definition of music.
The other half of the Gamelan Orchestra play their part on strings, to complement the other instruments that comprise the gamelan.
As the event was open to the public, I was surprised to see that the theater was completely occupied by local residents interested in seeking an internationally cultural experience. Overall, I’m completely content that as I continue my career here at Bates, old habits will de-”compose” and new perspectives will be re-”noted”. And however “sharp” or “flat” the change may be along the rhythm scale of life, it’s still music to my ears.
