Splice Explores Gamelan Origins with Gamelan Semara Ratih WAV ALS/ADG

09/03/2025 | WAV, Ableton presets | 351 MB
Performed on location in Tegallalang, Bali by Gamelan Semara Ratih and recorded by Tristan Arp, this pack contains comprehensive documentation of gamelan in all its beauty and complexity.

Tristan Arp uses field recording techniques to capture the gamelan orchestra in-situ, allowing the orchestra to present its sounds in their raw authenticity. In addition, Tristan Arp has created virtual instrument presets for Ableton Live to allow you to create original works with the unique sounds of the gamelan.

The word gamelan refers to a family of bronze mallet percussion, as well as one of the world's richest musical languages, defined by interlocking rhythms. Dating back nearly 1,000 years, Gamelan is Indonesia’s most treasured musical tradition, art form, and spiritual expression.

It is a rare honor of great sensitivity to document this sacred sound palette. The intention of Gamelan Semara Ratih's director Anom Baris is to share the sound of gamelan and inspire new perspectives around the world through this collaboration.

About the musicians: Gamelan Semara Ratih is an internationally renowned Balinese gamelan orchestra led by Anak Agung Gede Anom Putra, “Anom Baris.” While rooted in tradition, the ensemble embraces innovation and contemporary approaches to composition and performance.

About the producer: Tristan Arp is an American multimedia artist, producer, and co-founder of the New York record label Human Pitch. Arp playfully bends the framework of dance and ambient music with adventurous sound design, asymmetrical rhythms, and pointillist micro-percussion.

All sounds performed by Gamelan Samara Ratih in Bali, Indonesia January, 2019. Recorded and edited by Tristan Arp.

56 loops
65 one shots
47 phrases
7 Ableton live presets (ALS/ADG)