http://www.technobeat.com

A french site with interesting music links
http://perso.club-internet.fr/bakwaba/MUSIQUE.HTM
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"Gamelan is comparable to only two things, moonlight and flowing water. ...mysterious like moonlight and always changing like flowing water ..." -- Jaap Kunst "Music of Java"

Gong: from the word, Hong, a pray for safety. Symbolizing humanbeings should live in safety.

The Gamelan is showing the clear relationship between the creator (the Holy God) and the creatures (the human beings). The human beings must have a good manner during their life, so they live in safety.

links for listening here:

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Indonesian/Budaya_Bangsa/Gamelan/Main_Page/main_page.htm

In Indonesian traditional thinking, the gamelan is sacred and is believed to have supernatural power. Both musician and non-musicians are humble and respectful to the gamelan. Incense and flowers are often offered to the gamelan.

It is believed that each instrument in the gamelan is guided by spirits. Thus, the musician have to take off their shoes when they play the gamelan. It is also forbidden to step over any instrument in a gamelan, because it might offend the spirit by doing so.

Some gamelan are believed to have so much powers that playing them may exert power over nature. Others may be touched only by persons who are ritually qualified.

In Javanese gamelan, the most important instrument is the Gong Ageng. The Javanese musicians believe that Gong Ageng is the main spirit of the entire gamelan.