COURSES

2023-2024

Phil Acimovic
An introduction to performing the orchestral music of central Java and to the theoretical, cultural and aesthetic discourses of the gamelan tradition.  Student form the nucleus of a gamelan ensemble that consists primarily of tuned gongs and metallophones.  The course culminates in a public performance by the ensemble at the end of the semester.  No previous musical experience required. This class also requires students to explore cultural background of gamelan tradition through reading articles and watching films and discussions in class. (permission of instructor required; meets during reading period)

MUSI 233b, Cultures and Performing Arts of Central Java
Phil Acimovic
This course explores how music and theatre traditions engage with culture, history, and tradition of performing arts in central Java with a particular focus on the role of the gamelan ensemble. Students gain first-hand experience in Javanese Wayang theater, a traditional shadow puppet performance in which the gamelan serves as a musical accompanist. This course is designed to not only give performative and practical experience of central Javanese gamelan in the traditional style, but also presents opportunities for students to examine cultural and historical aspects of the shadow puppetry tradition and gamelan music in central Java. We focus specifically on 1) the musical language and structure of central Javanese gamelan music in the context of shadow puppetry performance, 2) the historical tradition and practice of shadow puppetry, and 3) livelihood of traditional performing arts in contemporary sociocultural and religious contexts. (Prerequisite: MUSI 232 or permission of the instructor)


Instructor: Phil Acimovic, Lecturer, Department of Music

Phil Acimovic studied Javanese Gamelan in Surakarta, Indonesia for two years with master musicians Bp. Wakidi Dwidjomartono and Bp. Darsono Hadiraharjo. Acimovic directs the Yale Gamelan Ensemble and the Smith College Javanese Gamelan Ensemble. In 2018 he organized and managed a U.S. tour of a gamelan gadhon troupe from Java. He is also an active composer and served as Artist-In-Residence at the Cold Hollow Sculpture Park in 2018. He lives in Easthampton, MA.  Read more >>

Contact: philip.acimovic@yale.edu

CLASS SCHEDULE and LOCATION will be found at Yale’s Online Course Information Site (click here)>>

See also INDONESIAN LANGUAGE STUDIES AT YALE

July 7, 2021
FINAL PERFORMANCES - Spring 2021
Yale Javanese Gamelan Suprabanggo (music 232) and Dances from Indonesia (music 237/THST 288)
Directors: Darsono and Maho Ishiguro
Watch YouTube Video >>

April 20-21, 2019
CENTRAL JAVANESE GAMELAN CONCERT
and
WAYANG KULIT PERFORMANCE
program information  >>

December 4, 2016
Javanese Wayang Shadow Puppet Play
“BIMA’S QUEST FOR ENLIGHTENMENT”
Dhalang: Professor Sumarsam
Yale Gamelan Ensemble: students of Music 232 and guest artists
Synopsis, Cast, additional information >>

May 6, 2016 
Javanese Wayang Kulit
“ARJUNÅ IN MEDITATION”
Dhalang: Prof. Sumarsam;
Yale Gamelan Ensemble: students of Music 232 and guest artists I.M. Harjito, Alec McLane, and Muryanto
Synopsis, Cast, additional information >>

December 2, 2015
JAVANESE GAMELAN - CONCERT AND LECTURE-DEMO,
Sumarsam, University Professor of Music, Wesleyan University; Instructor, MUSI 232, Yale Department of Music 
Featuring the Yale Gamelan Ensemble: students of Music 232