Kyai Selamet - UCSB - Patalon, part 1

This is the traditional overture for the Central Javanese wayang kulit (shadow play) called the Patalon. The music is highly symbolic, as the individual pieces are named after particular characteristics that mark the major stages of life. A full traditional performance of the patalon would consist of:
1) Gd. Cucur Bawuk kt 2 kr (birth)
2) Inggah Pareanom (childhood)
3) Ladrang Srikaton (adulthood)
4) Ketawang Suksma Ilang or Ketawang Pocung (death)

After these pieces, the gamelan plays modified versions of the gendhing lampahan (pieces to accompany movement). These may be also interpreted as representing the life cycle in microcosm, with each piece being gradually reduced in length but more agitated in nature.

This abbreviated version includes
Ldr Srikaton
Ktw Suksma Ilang
Ayak-ayakan
Srepeg
Sampak

Performed by the UCSB Central Javanese gamelan ensemble Kyai Selamet (Mike Pievac, dir.) at the Corwin Pavilion, UCSB, May 9, 2008.

Video courtesy of Karen Liu.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• gamelan
• ucsb
• javanese
• wayang
• patalon
• performing
• arts