What is the gamelan an Example by

What is the gamelan? The country of Indonesia has a very rich culture. It is a culture that is characterized by ethnicity and diversity, which is best exemplified by its people and the arts. In terms of music, the most remarkable aspect of Indonesian art is the gamelan. What is the gamelan? Why is it such a crucial part of Indonesian culture? Need essay sample on "What is the gamelan?" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed Our Customers Often Tell EssayLab specialists: Who wants to write assignment for me? Essay writers advise: Buy An Essay Which Will Lead You To Your Academic Success Essay Writer Helper Academic Essay Writing Best Essay Writing Service Essay Writing Service Reviews A gamelan is a type of musical ensemble from Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments (Gamelan). In fact, it is the main element of the Indonesian traditional music (Indonesian Gamelan). This ensemble consists of gongs, drums, flutes, bowed and plucked strings, xylophones, and metallophones (Gamelan). Sometimes, vocals are included (Gamelan). The word gamelan is derived from gamel, a Javanese word that means to strike or hammer (Gamelan). It also includes the suffix an, which gives the word its collective reference (Gamelan). The word gamelan is the identification of the said instruments, not the musicians who play them (Gamelan). Each gamelan is distinct from all the others (Indonesian Gamelan). The difference lies in the instruments themselves, as well as the usage of voice and tunings (Gamelan). The repertoire, style and the cultural milieu in which it is situated are also considered. Gamelan ensembles in courts are usually characterized with a specific style. Despite the difference, all gamelans are organized the same way; the groups of instruments have their own assigned purposes (Indonesian Gamelan). These instruments form a cohesive whole; each instrument is created and tuned as a part of the unit. Thus, an instrument that belongs to one gamelan cannot be used as a part of another. Since a gamelan is a unified group of several instruments, it requires a group performance. A gamelan performance therefore leaves no room for the individual display of talent (Indonesian Gamelan). Originally, gamelan music is used within formal events only, such as ritual ceremonies and performances for the royal family (Indonesian Gamelan). In the rituals, gamelan is the accompaniment to the dances (Indonesian Gamelan). At present, the gamelan still retains its traditional purpose, but now it is also played at less formal occasions as concert music (Indonesian Gamelan). Moreover, the gamelan is stored in varied locations, from formal venues such as courts and temples to common places like schools and homes (Indonesian Gamelan). It is also crucial to emphasize that the gamelan offers many opportunities for people to acquire jobs; it guarantees the livelihood of musicians and gamelan manufacturers (Indonesian Gamelan). Gamelan can be found in different islands in Indonesia, such as Madura, Lombok, Bali and Java (Gamelan). The last two islands are where the most popular types of gamelan are found (Indonesian Gamelan). In other Asian countries, there also are ensembles which resemble the gamelan. This may is partly due to emigration, historic trade or diplomacy (Gamelan). A great example of an instrument which follows the gamelan tradition is the kulintang, which is found in the Philippines (Gamelan). There are numerous instruments included in the gamelan, the most prominent of which would be the percussion instruments. The metallophone is one of them, which is a set of metal bars laid out in a single row (Gamelan). The metallophone is played by striking the metal bars (Gamelan). Examples of metallophones included in gamelan are saron, gendr, gangsa and ugal (Gamelan). Another percussion instrument in the gamelan is the gong chime. These are large, drum-shaped gongs laid out horizontally on stands (Gamelan). Gong chimes included in the gamelan are called bonang and kenong (Gamelan). A xylophone called gambang is also another part of the gamelan (Gamelan). The gambang resembles saron and gendr, but it differs in composition (Gamelan). While saron and gender are made of metal, gambang is made of wood (Gamelan). Other percussion instruments included in the gamelan are the kempul, kendhang and the gong ageng (Gamelan). Gamelan is made with different materials, such as brass, iron, and wood (Gamelan). However, bronze is metal of choice for most gamelan. In fact, the best material with which to make a gamelan is with a 10:3 copper-to-tin bronze alloy (Gamelan). Nonetheless, there are also gamelan ensembles which are made with bamboo (Gamelan). The music of the gamelan consists of layers (Gamelan). At the core of gamelan music is a melody called balungan (Gamelan). This melody is the foundation for all the other melodies, because it is with which the entire sound is built. Many layers will soon be added, but they must be in harmony with the balungan (Gamelan). In fact, it must harmonize with ends of phrases (Gamelan). These ends of phrases are identified with the Javanese term called seleh (Gamelan). Moreover, a certain group of instruments within the gamelan follows a colotomic structure, that which ends with the striking of the biggest gong (Gamelan). In general, gamelan music is cyclical or ostinato (Indonesian Gamelan). It is characterized by its repetitiveness (Indonesian Gamelan). The history of gamelan speaks of its interesting origins. It was said that it existed before Hindu-Buddhism influenced Indonesian culture, which implies that the gamelan is a native art form of Indonesia (Gamelan). Most of Indonesian art carries a strong Indian influence, except of the gamelan (Gamelan). If a trace of Indian reference is to be found in gamelan music, it is only from the singing style of the Javanese gamelan (Gamelan). The gamelan also has its roots in Javanese mythology. It is believed that Sang Hyang Guru made the gamelan in Saka era 167, or in 230 AD (Gamelan). Sang Hyang Guru is a god who reigned over Java as king (Gamelan). It was said that he resided in a palace located in Maendra Mountains in Medangkamulan, which is presently called Mount Lawu (Gamelan). Sang Hyang Guru had to communicate with the other gods, so he felt the need to have a signal to call upon them (Gamelan). This is the reason why he invented the gong. Because a single gong is not sufficient to send out more complex messages, he made two more (Gamelan). This resulted in the original gamelan. It is this legend that offers the reason behind the sanctity of the gamelan. For Indonesians, the gamelan is a sacred entity that has mystical powers (Indonesian Gamelan). Musicians and non-musicians alike show respect for the gamelan; oftentimes, the gamelan is given offerings like incense and flowers (Indonesian Gamelan). These offerings are made because people believe that spirits watch over the gamelan, which is probably the reason why it was believed that playing the gamelan can effect changes in nature (Indonesian Gamelan). As a sign of respe ct for the spirits, musicians remove their shoes before playing the gamelan (Indonesian Gamelan). In addition, stepping over an instrument in the gamelan is prohibited. It is believed that by doing so, the spirit might be offended (Indonesian Gamelan). The oldest gamelan ensembles are called the Munggang and Kodokngorek gamelans (Gamelan). Both of these are located in the palaces of Java, and were believed to have existed since the 12th century (Gamelan). It is said that it is from the Munggang and Kodokngorek gamelans where the loud style originated (Gamelan). The counterpart, the soft style, originated from the kemanak tradition (Gamelan). The soft style is also associated with the Javanese poetry recitals, which resemble the present day bedhaya dance performances (Gamelan). The 17th century ushered in the fusion of the loud and soft styles, and it is this fusion that characterizes the Balinese, Javanese and Sudanese gamelans sounds (Gamelan). The styles are different, but the main components, such as technique and concepts, remain the same (Gamelan). The types of gamelan are identified by geography. The two major types of gamelan are the Balinese gamelan and the Javanese gamelan. The Balinese gamelan is best known for gong kebyar, a style characterized by its fast tempo and dynamics changes (Gamelan). There are other styles of the Balinese gamelan, which are gamelan angklung and kecak (Gamelan). Kecak is also referred to as monkey chant (Gamelan). On the other hand, the Javanese gamelan has a slower tempo (Gamelan). In the 19th century, the Javanese gamelan was played mostly at the courts of Javanese rulers (Gamelan). Aside from the tempo, the two types of gamelan differ in other ways too. In terms of instruments, the Balinese gamelan has more metallophones than gongs (Indonesian Gamelan). In addition, the keys in the metallophones of Balinese gamelan are thicker than the metallophone keys of the Javanese gamelan (Indonesian Gamelan). This is the reason why the Balinese metallophones create bright sounds (Indonesian Gamelan). Ano ther thing that sets the Balinese gamelan apart from the Javanese gamelan is the presence of cymbals (Indonesian Gamelan). The NIU Gamelan Ensemble is one of the famous Indonesian gamelan groups (Indonesian Gamelan). This ensemble has performed under the direction of Dr. Han Kuo-Huang, and can play both Balinese and Javanese gamelan music (Indonesian Gamelan). I like the gamelan because it is very different from all the other instruments and ensembles in the world of music. It is rooted in the rich Indonesian culture, and it has mythological origins that add further interest to it. Moreover, despite the uniqueness of the gamelan, various parts of the world have learned to embrace this musical gem. Therefore, the gamelan is a crucial part of musical history, not only of Indonesia, but also of the entire world. Works Cited Indonesian Gamelan. Seasite Indonesia. Gamelan. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.

Philadelphia Bodegas essays

Philadelphia Bodegas essays Bodega: The importance of the corner store in the Puerto Rican barrio Today in several neighborhoods of northeastern United States there are still remnants that tie predominate Puerto Rican communities together. In these communities you won't find much room for big businesses. On the contrary, here several of the corner stores (called bodegas) offer more of an impact than other larger businesses. In these smaller stores you can sometimes buy goat meat, mangoes and even plantanos (a platanain is a banana-like fruit that is eaten boiled or fried). These stores not only have ties to a lifestyle far from the every day burger and fries feeding frenzy, but it also gives state-side Puerto Ricans a chance to experience food products that are authentic to Puerto Rico. The bodega, in fact, has been a key part of Puerto Rican development. Bodegas are a necessity to Puerto Ricans because they offer strong ethnic enclaves and a history of helping Puerto Rican migrants to better integrate themselves into "state-side" culture. When Puerto Ricans came to the States as labor migrants, with and without government sponsored labor contracts, the transition was difficult. Around the time of the Second World War, employers and government agencies enrolled the services of Puerto Rican men for seasonal food processing jobs in southern New Jersey. After the War had ended, the governments of Puerto Rico and the United States encouraged a contract labor program for Puerto Rican men to come to the continental United States for only seasonal farm work in Pennsylvania, and it's other surrounding areas in New York and New Jersey. "For migrants, the contract labor program was part of an economic strategy to earn seasonal income or a stepping stone towards permanent settlement."(Whalen, 24, 1998). Indeed, many migrant workers used the opportunity along with the money they had collected in farm labor to find a perman...

Bend it like a Man of Chosun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bend it like a Man of Chosun - Essay Example The main perspective on which the author argued that the racial and ethnic inferiority complexes of the Korean people from the western world can be overcome or healed with their participation in in sports like football in which they feel at the top of the world which came with the victory of Korea in Berlin Olympics, 1936. In support of his statement he stated that in the year 2002 World Cup, when Korea reached the Semifinals, their victory in the game again brought to unify the nation again and provided a great opportunity to cure the ethnic inferiority of its people. The author provided the evidence of the newspaper Dong-A Ilbo, which published the photograph of Sohn with Japanese Flag and removed his Uniform of the Korean country. He proved the strength of the mass media that is newspaper in Korea in developing the sense of Nationalism. Although the victory of Sohn ended the very first stage of sport nation in Korea, its people very clearly understood the importance of sports competition in international level which brought them pride for their country. The author has a strong positive viewpoint about how a sport can initiate nationalistic behavior in a country and it is very true till now a days. During the time of sport activities the people try to view the country as one and try to figure the all the positive aspects about the country while almost forgot the other factors. Author mentioned different evidence to prove his point in the document which makes it very rich in establishing the facts. The main problem we can notice in the document that the author only emphasized on only a single factor that is sport. Sport can only initiate the nationalism in its people but it is up to the people who will continue to it or not. As in the document we can find that after 1936 there is no mention of any other incidence till 2002. A single thing can never eradicate the inferiority sense from the minds of the people and it can it will be temporary. Yes I am

Assignment 10(775) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Assignment 10(775) - Essay Example finds him/herself in a position to access the available opportunity in gaining additional into the research process and other topics that are under investigation. This action can lead to education empowerment between different individuals, especially encouraging and giving heart to those who didn’t have a heart in taking this action. Whenever a practitioner undertakes this, he/she will help others who might fear to do the same, they will come in, creating a pool of ideas, empowering their profession in the long run. It has also led to the emergence of the Action Research Community (ARC), where those with teaching jobs come together and share some of their ideas. In ARC, the education professionals present come up with ideas on how to improve some of the aspects of the educational process such as classroom instructional practice. The process of academician presenting their action research has empowered educator at all levels, especially those who take part and make proceedings on the same. They get their selves in a position to make decisions as a result developing skills and capabilities, and gain concentration towards developing their professional needs. This is because they learn a lot of knowledge and therefore effectively increase in their practice, by affecting them positively hence focusing on their professional needs. There are a number of alternative techniques, not discussed in the chapter that I can use for sharing the findings of my research. Nearly all this techniques are simply the adaptations of the other forms of professional communications, which have made use of the technology. I use of YOU-TUBE as a social site, where I will update all my new and current action research and my findings and other professionals in the same field can see. I will also come up with a website and create some links where all the other practitioners in the same line of profession, globally, can meet and share the newly identified ideas. Others will include

The Fall of Two Great Men Essay Example for Free

The Fall of Two Great Men Essay In many stories, the role of protagonist is to endure hardship and losses but regardless, the resolution in these stories tends to be a happy ending. However, some writers such as William Shakespeare and Arthur Miller prefer more tragic endings for their protagonists. Although the protagonists enjoy a happy life in the beginning of both King Lear and Death of a Salesman, we quickly see their uprising hardship, loss, and their inevitable destruction. Not only the destruction of their surroundings but of their civilization, their family, and most importantly of themselves. In the beginning of the Shakespeares play King Lear, we see Lear as a strong and dominant ruler of the kingdom. His temper shows arrogance and that he is of strict judgment, which is first seen against Cordelia and Kent as they had both unpleased Lear by saying something he did not wish to hear. CORDELIA [ASIDE]: What shall Cordelia do? Love, and be silent.(Shakespeare, Act I,i, 62-63). This marks the beginning of the downfall of social order. This begins the collapse the great chain of being. Once the king surrenders the kingdom to his corrupted daughters, Goneril and Regan (whom he finds loyal), its only matter of time before social order ceases to exist. This also shows the breakdown of family as Cordelia was to marry the king of France due to her banishment set forth by Lear himself. Goneril and Regan plot the end of Lears kingdom by totally removing his title as king from the kingdom. Although set hundreds of years apart, Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, faces a similar crisis. Although initially seen as a happy family, we soon learn that Willy Loman has had as affair with another woman. We also find out through one of his constant flashbacks that his older son Biff finds out about the affair and begins to distance from his father. Willy always forced his son Biff to become a successful in life but that became impossible as Willy slowly started to go insane. As a result of the affair and Willys  insanity, Biff decides to leave his father and Willy, now heartbroken, desires to commit suicide. And consequently, this results in the breakdown of their once happy family. Near the climax of the story, Willy also realizes that he himself is primarily at fault for Biffs struggles in life. Due to his lack of encouragement to help improve his sons school grades (math specifically), Biff must endure such hardships later on in life. Willy Loman and King Lear are both very different characters in terms of status but are yet very alike as they are both perfect examples of tragedy in each play. Willy Loman, who believed himself to be a big shot, and well liked, got fired from his job where he had worked for many years and lost respect from those around him. Thus, the social order in the story begins to collapse. The loss of his job creates financial problems for Willy, making it impossible for him unable to pay off his debts. His friend Charlie offers him a job but Willy refuses because of his pride. Furthermore, his belongings, be it furniture or electronics begin to break down. According to the common conception at the time that an item becomes useless by the time it is paid off also contributes to Willys stress, leading to his insanity, which tragically led to his death. Lear suffers a similar struggle as he becomes fed up with the drastic overturn in his life, that he has been betrayed and treated like dirt by his own daughters. What strikes him hardest is at the climax of the story, when Lear realizes Cordelias loyalty to him. In the resolution, Lear finds not her beloved daughter but only a lifeless corpse of her. Lear, heartbroken, sheds tears of sorrow and dies from that broken heart. Its very clear that such sufferings and unfortunate experiences create very tragic situations that can lead to the downfall of the protagonist. Both Willy Loman and King Lear made crucial errors because of their overweening pride, which lead them to their inevitable destruction. Their faults led them from one crisis to another, creating such tragic endings for them. In the end, all they were left with was pain and destruction. They caused harm to those around them, their family and most importantly, themselves. Bibliography 1. King Lear Shakespeare, William. _King Lear_ England: Hazell Watson and Viney Ltd., 1964. 2. Death of a Salesman Miller, Arthur. _Death of a Salesman._ Toronto: Penguin Books Ltd., 1977.

Richard III as a Successful Politician Essay -- Papers

Richard III as a Successful Politician Shakespeare's Richard III is set in England after the War of the Roses. Richard, the megalomanic eponymous character, is desperate for the throne of England. He tells us that he seeks the crown to compensate for his deformity (he was a hunchback from birth). Richard has his own brother killed and later has former allies and those who still stood in his way killed also. When Richard eventually gains the throne he finds his conscience and begins to feel insecure, he has the two Princes he has locked away killed. Nobles are horrified by his actions and establish a rebel force lead by Richmond. During the Battle of Bosworth FieldRichard is defeated and killed in hand to hand combat with Richmond, who then takes the throne and becomes King of England. The word 'political' can have more than one meaning. The Oxford English Dictionary has a few definitions of political and politician: 1. Of, relating to, or dealing with the structure or affairs of government, politics, or the state. 2. Relating to, involving, or characteristic of politics or politicians: 3. Interested or active in politics. 4. Having or influenced by partisan interests: The court should never become a political institution. 5. Based on or motivated by partisan or self-serving objectives: a purely political decision. 1. One who is actively involved in politics, especially party politics. 2. One who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and by manoeuvring Richard has shown several of these characteristics and so can be described as a political character.... ...d, therefore, that Richard was not a success as he was killed although he failed militarily rather than politically and had succeeded up to that point. As Richard failed as a soldier, he could still be called a successful politician. Political could also mean artful, ingenious, unscrupulous and cunning all of which can be applied to Richard at some point during the play. Richard is sly and gets away with treason, a crime punishable with death, he manages to put the blame on other people and avoid punishment himself. This could be considered successful, as he was never caught. Going back to the criteria for a politician it can be said that Richard is definitely a politician "one who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and by manoeuvring" but it is difficult to say whether he was successful or not.

DICOM VS Captiva Case Study Essay

1. What are the key business success factors and risks for DICOM and Captiva? DICOM is a Swiss company that has sales in Europe, Asia, and the United States. They provide services ranging from structured, semi-structured, and unstructured information capture products. DICOM also sells hardware, primarily scanners, through its group sales force. DICOM has differentiated their product offering for the different regions that it operates. And the products that are provided are developed through research and development and also acquisitions. This allows DICOM to provide a diverse set of products that can cover many markets and many different users. DICOM operates in the U.S. under Kofax capture software that was bought in 2004 and primarily offers the information capture software’s to their consumers. There are risks in this industry. DICOM operates in many different markets and is subject to inflation, interest, and foreign currency risks. DICOM operates in three different geographic segments that are managed independently of each other. Each market has their own inherent risks and DICOM needs to be aware of every possible circumstance in order to remain prosperous. Captiva Corporation is a U.S. based company that provides similar services as DICOM. Captiva sells structure, semi-structured, and unstructured information capture products, but also sells hardware. Captiva uses its own research and development, as well as strategic acquisitions to provide customers with the different types of information capture products. Captiva sells primarily in the United States, but is able to sell in the areas of insurance, financial services, technology, government, and manufacturing. Involvement in so many distinct markets allows Captiva to hedge their risks better against harsh economic times and different interest rate risks. Additionally, Captiva has a large chain of resellers, which accounts for nearly 39% of revenues. Future profits will best be achieved by leveraging to existing customer base, increase reseller sales, moving into new markets, and broadening the product offering. But like DICOM, Captiva has business risks that they need to be aware of in their industry. Captiva has 80% of their sales in the United and States and cannot hedge their risks if a crisis develops in that country. Captiva has a large amount of revenues coming from resellers and a drop in this segment could lose the company millions. 2. Do the financial statements for the two firms enable you to compare their performance? If not, what changes need to be made to ensure comparability? The financial statements are for two different governmental requirements from two different countries. DICOM operates under the European system of IFRS and Captiva operates under GAAP. With this said, just looking at the financial statements makes it extremely difficult to determine performance. To be able to make a comparison between the two companies easier, their needs to be a reconciliation of the two different accounting systems. IFRS and GAAP need to be put together to form one individual accounting entity. What exactly need to be changed are the standards. When looking at the balance sheet, you are able to see just how different the systems operate. In GAAP, cash is the first line, but in IFRS Fixed assets are the first line. Changing to a consolidated system would allow for the best way to make an accurate comparison between t wo firms in different geographical regions. 3. What financial ratios would you use to judge performance of DICOM and Captiva? How do they compare on these dimensions? The financial ratio used to give us a better assessment of performance is return on equity. Return on equity is the amount of income earned from shareholder investments. And this gives us a look at how much money a company is able to generate from their shareholders. Return on equity is profit margin X asset turnover X financial leverage. The table below shows the ROE for the two companies in the periods of 2003 and 2004. As we can tell from the chart, Captiva earns more money per dollar of shareholder investment than DICOM. To further get a better understanding of the companies, we can use financial, liquidity, and debt ratios to measure performance. DICOM has a better return on assets than Captiva, but not by much. So, we can determine that they both are similar in this area. Captiva has higher gross margins and lower debt than DICOM. So, it is predictable that Captiva has access to money faster and can leverage this pool of resources to invest in R&D and acquiring new companies. 4. Which company do you rate as the better investment? WHY? Both companies are in a fast paced, technology based industry. Before investing, you need to do the proper due diligence into all functions of the business before investing. In this case, it is decided that we would invest in Captiva. Captiva is a U.S. based company that is diversified into many different sectors. They sell to government, insurance, technology, and manufacturing. This would help them hedge against economic risks. Captiva is also not as affected by inflation, currency, and interest rate risk as DICOM. Captiva also is currently providing a higher return on equity on their investments. This shows that the money that is provided is being used efficiently. Captiva seems to be doing well in the U.S. domestic market and has a secondary reseller section that provides stability and consistent revenues. Captiva seems to be the company that can provide the growth and sufficient returns on investments that we are currently look for.