Author Question: What does irama level refer to? What will be an ideal response? ... (Read 62 times)

nenivikky · **on:** Jul 25, 2018

What does irama level refer to?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the general approach to the performance of the piece by the elaborating melodic instruments?

What will be an ideal response?

joshraies · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Irama levels refer to the ratios among the different subdivisions of the balungan beat. The result is the balungan melody being played simultaneously at various related tempi. For example, the bonang barung plays at twice the density/rate of the basic balungan melody by subdividing the balungan beat into two quicker units; the bonang panerus could subdivide the balungan beat into four even quicker units, resulting in the ratios 1:2:4, and so on.

Answer to Question 2

The elaborating melodic instruments generally derive their parts from the balungan (main melody) creating varied repetitions that may be played at different rates of speed (tempi). All the different elaborating melodies are heard simultaneously, adding to the overall density/texture of the piece.