Ponidi - Gending Bonang Semarangan

Review by Tobias Lämmle

Ponidi's album, Gending Bonang Semarangan, is a mesmerizing collection of traditional Javanese music that showcases the artist's mastery of the bonang instrument. The album features a range of pieces, each of which is characterized by Ponidi's intricate and nuanced playing style.

Listeners will be immediately struck by the rich and complex textures of the album's opening track, "Gending Bonang Semarangan." The interplay between the bonang and other instruments, such as the kendang and saron, creates a hypnotic and immersive sonic landscape.

Throughout the album, Ponidi demonstrates an impressive range of techniques, from the rapid-fire runs of "Gending Palaran Sinom" to the delicate, understated melodies of "Gending Bonang Pangkur." His playing is always precise and controlled, but also imbued with a sense of spontaneity and improvisation.

One of the standout tracks on the album is "Gending Bonang Kinanthi," which features Ponidi's virtuosic playing accompanied by the soothing vocals of a female singer. The result is a haunting and beautiful piece that showcases the emotional depth of Javanese music.

Summary by Tobias Lämmle

Gending Bonang Semarangan is a masterful album that is sure to delight fans of traditional Javanese music and anyone who appreciates virtuosic instrumental playing. Ponidi's skill and artistry are on full display here, making this album a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the rich musical traditions of Indonesia.