Music of Indonesia

Smithsonian/Folkways Recordings is currently engaged in publishing a series of recordings called collectively Music of Indonesia. Of the twenty volumes which have been planned, six have already appeared, on CD and Music Cassette in English, and on Music Cassettes in Indonesian.

1. Songs before Dawn, Gandrung Banyuwangi (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40055)
2. Indonesian Popular Music, Kroncong, Dangdut, & Langgam Jawa (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40056)
3. Music from the Outskirts of Jakarta, Gambang Kromong (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40057)
4. Music of Nias & North Sumatra, Hoho, Gendang Karo, Gondang Toba (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40420)
5. Betawi & Sundanese Music of the North Coast of Java, Topeng Betawi, Tanjidor, Ajeng (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40421)
6. Night Music of West Sumatra, Saluang, Rabab Pariaman, Dengang Pauah (Smithsonian/Folkways SF40422)

The dissemanation and preservation of Southeast Asian music is a topic in itself. Suffice here to introduce the series of music recorded by the Smithsonian. On another occasion we will go into the subject of recordings into more detail.
Please look to the interview with Dr. Wim van Zanten for some general information on ethnomusicology in Southeast Asia.



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