Post #3 - April 19, 2007

The most obvious differences between "Ratna Ayu" and the "Gamelan Bali Nyepi" are with regard to setting and as well as the rhythm and quality of the music.

Firstly with respect to setting, Ratna Ayu was a performance at a university with the intention of educating people about the cultural aspects of Bali. In contrast, the Bali Nyepi is featured in a more rustic setting - a beach in Bali. The latter has a greater sense of authenticity primarily because it takes place in Bali although this effect is somewhat counteracted by the fact that they are on a beach and most likely playing for the tourists' leisure.

The Ratna Ayu features elaborate costumes with an accompanying dance. The costumes are colorful and heavy on detail, which to a certain extent diverts attention away from the gamelan performance itself. Another notable feature is that many of the musicians were not Balinese themselves, thus showcasing a diversity that was lacking the Bali Nyepi. The Bali Nyepi did not feature these elaborate costumes nor did it feature a dance. All the men seated were wearing white clothes with an accompanying headband. Another importance point was that the men appeared to sit in rows of groups as opposed to be in a more open form so the audience could see them (as the Ratna Ayu did).

Moreover, another noticeable quality was the rhythm of the music. The Ratna Ayu music slowed down for dramatic effects which incorporated well with the dance and the initial slow, steady movements. It then followed a more brisk pace. In contrast the Bali Nyepi kept a steady rhythm except in certain places when it picked up the pace. In addition to the rhythm, I felt that the piece played by the Bali Nyepi was "happier" in contrast to the Ratna Ayu which had more of a mystical, moody sentiment that was echoed in the dancing as well.

But all in all the settings clearly affected the quality of these two performances. Ratna Ayu was far more appealing to watch for the bright colors, the elaborate costumes and other visuals. But I also felt that the dancing took attention away from the beautiful music which was probably intended as the piece was long and could thus bore the audience - hence it would be better to have to things simultaneously occurring than simply one. The Bali Nyepi certainly had a more natural and authentic quality but in terms of tourists, may not be as of much interest as the other performance.