Gong Semar Pegulingan Rehearsals from habi on Vimeo.

This semester, gamelan master I Made Agus Wardana teaches Gong Semar Pegulingan (Balinese Gamelan) at the Musicology Department at the University of Amsterdam. It is meditative to be repeating the complex interlocking rhythms over and over until it becomes second nature to the mind and the hands hitting the gongs. The tactile vibrations of the gongs that engulf us in rehearsals also have soothing effects. It is going to be a long journey towards mastering even just this one piece. But it has been a profound experience learning a new musical culture.

We will have a mini showcase in summer. Watch out for it!