Gamelan of Central Java - 26 Sekaten Continuum Surakarta

Gamelan sekaten is a Javanese ceremonial gamelan tradition performed during the Islamic festival of Sekaten, which commemorates the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. It is most closely associated with the royal courts and Great Mosques of Yogyakarta and Surakarta in Central Java, Indonesia. The ensembles are notable for their oversized bronze instruments, powerful volume, and stately, processional tempos. Repertoire is predominantly in the slendro tuning system and emphasizes a grand, solemn atmosphere suited to outdoor, public ritual. Unlike other Javanese court gamelan, sekaten music is strictly instrumental, projecting a majestic, resonant sound that carries across palace squares and mosque courtyards.