Resort Location
Bali, Indonesia
Experience
Semar Pegulingan – Royal Court Gamelan and Dances – by Mekar Bhuana with Barbeque Buffet Dinner at The Oberoi, Bali
In an effort to share and promote the performing arts of Bali, The Oberoi, Bali invites guests, residents and visitors to experience firsthand the spirit of the rare Balinese 'Semar Pegulingan' Gamelan together with classical dances, through special performances at The Amphitheatre, combined with a Seafood and prime meat barbeque buffet dinner under the stars.
Of the many genre of gamelan music to be found in Bali, none evokes a more ethereal and enchanted sound than the 'Gamelan Semar Pegulingan'. This old and rare variety of Balinese royal court gamelan dates back to the 17th century, and is noted for the sweetness of its seven-tone scale, which enables several pathet (similar to modes or scales) to be played. Hailed as the 'Gamelan of the Love God' - 'Semar' is the name of the Hindu God of love and 'Pegulingan' can be roughly translated as 'laying down' – this beautiful music was originally played near the sleeping chambers of the palace to lull the king and his concubines to sleep. The ensemble includes several large flutes called 'sluing penyalah', a spiked fiddle called a 'rebab', a variety of small percussion instruments including bells and finger cymbals, and 'tromping' – a row of 17 small bronze kettle gongs that are played by one musician to create the melody, which is then punctuated by the bass notes of the 'jegogan'.
The music is performed by members of Mekar Bhuana, a family-founded conservatoire with a vision to revive rare Balinese music and dance, and to encourage awareness about the beauty of these endangered art-forms. This group is one of the few remaining seven-tone Semar Pegulingan gamelans. Its music seems almost weightless, and in some ways the melodies are more Western than most gamelan, which makes it easier to listen to, yet it remains intrinsically Balinese in its execution, and is wonderful to hear.
The dances include an old fashioned welcome dance known as 'Gabor', in which the dancers throw flowers to express their religious devotion; 'Patih', which is the dance of the Prime Minister, the top advisor to the King; and 'Pegambuhan - Prabu', the dance of the King himself.
This traditional open-air amphitheatre at The Oberoi, Bali, is where the island's rich cultural heritage comes alive. Here, the Gamelan Semar Pegulingan and classical Balinese dances are combined with a sumptuous Seafood and prime meat barbeque buffet dinner under the stars. Soft lamps light the pathway between hand-carved statues and fragrant flowering trees. Tables and chairs are positioned alfresco on the terrace, and the atmosphere is charged with expectation as everyone takes their ringside seats. Even the staff, all dressed in Balinese costume, become part of the extravagant spectacle as they pour wine and ensure that guests have everything they need, while the chefs flamboyantly prepare and serve lavish dishes. The steps of The Amphitheatre, on several different tiers, enable guests and children to get close, if they wish, and have a clear view of the performance. The Semar Pegulingan Gamelan orchestra then fills the night air with its sweet music, the stage is illuminated, and the dancers and players enter the arena, in a rich pageant of colour and magic, enacted with passion, mystique and reverence to the gods.
To enjoy this experience contact The Oberoi, Bali by the ETC, Book now or Email now buttons and make your reservation today!
For more destination information please visit Travel Planner for Bali, Indonesia.
