Various Artists: Music of Indonesia: Music from the Southeast

Now comes Music of Indonesia 16: Music from the Southeast (Smithsonian 40443; 74:13), a collection of music from the further reaches of the island chain. In the music from Sumbawa, Sumba, and Timor, we hear evidence of the percolating rhythmic impulses and cyclical harmonic patterns melodic vaguely related to the gamelan, especially in music from Sumba, but also influences from other areas, including western residue. This music, whether the plaintive violin music from Sumbawa or the antiphonal vocal webs from Timor, exerts an appeal based on raw, fervent expression. As in other parts of Indonesia, you can sense the idea that music-making plays an integral role in the daily fabric of life.

Originally Published March 1, 1999