Search - Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Evan Ziporyn, Nyoman Windha :: American Works For Balinese Gamelan Orchestra

Traditional, and yet more

K. Doles | 07/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frequently, Western composers who choose to work in non-Western musical traditions are demonized as "culural rapists" who simply use these traditions as gimmicks or "hooks" to create interest in their work. Unfortunately, some of these composers _do_ run roughshod over the cultures they claim to be celebrating. This collection of works, however, is another story. Rarely have I found a group of new pieces that are so solidly rooted in a non-Western tradition (here, the Balinese gamelan gong kebyar) and yet so fresh and contemporary. All the pieces here are well-crafted and represent the work of composers who are literate in multiple musical traditions. My personal favorites are Evan Ziporyn's two contributions, especially his collaboration with noted Balinese composer I Nyoman Windha, "Kekembangan." Every piece merits repeated listenings, though. This disc is a rich tapestry of compositions that can be enjoyed by lovers of gamelan and contemporary music alike. A welcome addition to any CD library."