Gamelan Tempo: Slow to Moderate, Gong-Driven

Gamelan’s pulse is set by the gong ageng (largest gong). Tempos range from very slow (ritual pieces) to moderate (dance/theatre). A single piece often shifts between irama (tempo levels)—e.g., irama lancar (fast) to irama tanggung (medium) to irama dados (slow)—creating elastic, breathing time.