COMMUNICATION, INSTRUMENTATION, PERFORMANCE ARTS OF MALAY AND JAVA GAMELAN

The Malay and Java Gamelan have been long-standing musical ensembles in the nusantara region. Both ensembles own distinctive roles and functions.This study investigated the differences between the Malay and Java gamelan comparatively. The Malay gamelan ensemble refers to the gamelan ensemble played at the Malay Sultanate royal palaces (istana) such that of Istana Pahang and Istana Terengganu. While the Java gamelan in particular exists in the Javanese Isle of Indonesia. The objective of this study was to to identify the similarities and the differences between these two ensembles in terms of the aspect of communication, instrumentation and the performance arts which enable the Malay Gamelan to be synonymous with the Malay identity. The methodology of the study was of qualitative approaches which were literature review and field study involving observations and interviews. Data obtained from the literature review and field study were analysed using techniques of content analysis and intensive reading. Results showed that there are clear similarities and differences between the Malay and Java gamelan ensemble from the aspect of communication between the player and the recipient, the types and total number of musical instruments involved and a few aspects of performance arts. The implication of this study was to set a point of reference and support for the Malaysian Government to elevate the Malay Gamelan ensemble as a UNESCO World intangible heritage and as a medium to build and inculcate a true Malay identity in today’s generation.