Gamelan Stories : Tantrism Islam and Aesthetics in Central Java (Monographs in Southeast Asian studies)

Rating:
Summary: gamelan insights
Review: 'Gamelan Stories'is a really informative, scolarly research concerned with tracing the tantric history of Javenese Gamelan music. Begining with a general look at Buddhist and Sufi tantric practices Becker precedes with an investigation of the links between tantrism and Gamelan. The 'stories' themselves, handed down through generations include some real insights into the theories between the human energy system, i.e. the chakras,how they relate to particular notes in the Gamelan scale, and the relationship between Gamelan playing and meditative practice. She includes elements of trance dance, how tantrism effects form, and the relationship between language and belief. This is not,refreshingly, another new agey type book, and even if a touch dry, a real insight and education to read.