Gamelan

In Bali, traditional music is performed by a 'gamelan orchestra' with its typically piercing and shimmering sound. This percussion ensemble consists of bronze instruments with tuned metal keys, led by drums. There are a few wind and stringed instrument. The music is based on rhytmic and melodic cycles punctuated by gong. Most villages in Bali own at least one set of 'gamelan' instruments for ritual occasions. Some set are considered sacred and are played only during religious ceremonies.