Search - Music of I Nyoman Windha :: Music of the Gamelan Gong Kebyar, vol. 2

Music of the Gamelan Gong Kebyar, vol. 2, is a thrilling collection of works for gamelan by one of Bali's most brilliant composers. The gamelan gong kebyar is the modern concert orchestra of about 30 musicians, playing a variety of bronze metallophones, tuned gongs, drums and flutes. The style itself -- known simply as kebyar -- is relatively new, born in 1914 through the competition of two orchestras in North Bali. In reflection of those turbulent times, kebyar music is explosive, virtuosic and colorful in character. Volume Two is devoted to the music of I Nyoman Windha, Bali's most popular young gamelan composer and one of the most talented musicians of his generation. Windha has honed his skills over the past two decades as a leading composer at STSI Denpasar, Bali's National Institute of the Arts. On this recording, Windha's compositions are played by three of Bali's finest village-based gamelan groups, all winners of top honors in Bali's annual gamelan competitions.