The physics of Gamelan: A study of sound concept in traditional art

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Adrian Bagas Damarsha, Alvin Khoirun Niza, Lailatul Fitriyah, Utama Alan Deta, Suliyanah, Oka Saputra

2024 AIP Conference Proceedings Vol. 3116 Issue 1 Conference paper Cited by 2 Quartile

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between the local wisdom of gamelan (saron) and the concept of physics on sound waves and analyze the material's effect in gamelan on sound scales and resonance. This qualitative research conducted structured interviews with informants and analyzed the data obtained. In this article, the physics concept contained in the gamelan (saron) is obtained, namely the concept of sound waves. In gamelan, when hitting a blade after being hit, the saron blades are depicted so that the sound is not humming and the tone is clear. It is also related to the material for making saron which affects the sound produced or sound quality. Each blade or scale on the saron is different from the thinnest to the thickest. This article concluded that gamelan is related to physics learning, namely sound waves. The materials and ladder blades in the saron affect the sound quality. Gamelan teaches Javanese cultural values as a benchmark for the height or civilisation of a nation. © 2024 Author(s).

Affiliations

Department of Physics Education, State University of Surabaya, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia