ROLE OF MUSIC IN WAYANG KULIT

Music supports the all-night performance almost

non-stop, though the number of instruments that
play may very depending on the scene.

Gamelan serves both musical and dramatic

functions: music sets the mood, interprets, and
reinforces various aspects of the dhalang's
narrative

The entrance and exits of particular characters to the

stage, journeys, battles, and narrations and
accompanied by musical copositions of various
lengths.

At certain parts of the play, the dhalang charns or

sings (called sulukan) to set the mood of the scene,
which is accompanied by soft-sounding instruments.

CONDUCTING ORCHESTRA
In adddition to his main role as wayag kulit
performer, the dhalang also confucts the orchestra

He signals to the musicians and signers what

composition to play, and when to play it. This is done
through verbal and musical cues.

Verbal cues are given in the form of a riddle or code

whose word association is synonymous to the title of
the required composition.

The musical cues can be in a form of a short melody