This
collection represents gendhing that I have collected while studying Central
Javanese gamelan, mostly in the Solonese tradition. Much of the notation was
originally taken from the 3-volume Gendhing-Gendhing Jawa Gaya Surakarta,
the body of notation copied from the manuscripts of the late
Bp K.R.T. Mloyodipuro (better known by the name he held at the time, Bp. Mloyowidodo) and
published in 1977 by Akademi Seni Karawitan Indonesia, Surakarta (ASKI, now
named Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia, or STSI). Bp Mloyodipuro’s books, often
published, photocopied and handcopied, have been a wonderful, valuable resource
for gamelan musicians both in Java and around the world.
The bulk of
the retyping of this collection was done by Ismartilah Drummond as part of a
research project conducted by Marc Perlman. I later edited, processed the files
and formatted the gendhing for viewing and printing while adding pieces not
originally part of the collection or otherwise entered.
Javanese
gendhing have often evolved variant versions. The differences include slight
differences in balungan or saron melody, entirely different sections and
differing performance practices. The notation presented here is not intended to
faithfully preserve Bp Mloyodipuro’s versions of the repertoire, but rather to
reflect the versions of gendhing as I’ve observed them practiced by teachers and
other musicians. I’ve added pieces that I would hear or play in klenèngan, and
notated combinations of gendhing as they would be performed. I have also added
pieces based on other sources, usually handwritten collections of
musicians.
I have used this collection for the Boston Village Gamelan and The Tufts University Gamelan ensemble as resource for rehearsals and performances. I am making it freely available for any interested group or individual. The collection is still growing as I hope to eventually incorporate pieces not yet included and alternate versions of pieces along with versions of gérongan. Any suggestions, comments, or additional gendhing would be greatly appreciated; I would especially like to be informed of any typographical errors.
-Barry Drummond