“At the center of Balinese musical culture are the deep and penetrating reverberations of bronze gongs. When the raised center, or boss, of a large going is struck, a powerful bass tone emerges, the sound of which has inspired the reverence of Balinese for centuries. Gongs, as the strongest and most important timbre in most gamelans, legislate the character of the set of instruments to which they belong. A gamelan, so it is said, is only as good as its gong. Enjoying the support of the gong’s anchoring are the drums, flutes, and keyed metal instruments (metallophones) that comprise the remainder of the ensemble. Most of these instruments are constructed primarily of bronze, but some are made wholly from bamboo, and a few others from more esoteric materials. Each has its own name and definite musical function. Normally that all must play together in order for the music to sound as it should.”
Michael Tenzer, Balinese Music
