069 Ellen Koskoff on Gamelan Angklung Cremation Music

On this episode, Marc talks to Ellen Koskoff, author of "Bittersweet Sounds of Passage: Balinese Gamelan Angklung Cremation Music," published in July of 2025. It's a fascinating look into a specific kind of gamelan music in Bali that is an essential part of cremation ceremonies, performed by village members who don't even consider themselves musicians. Koskoff learned to play this music herself by living in Bali and joining in with ensembles there, revealing a tradition that is unlike anything in Western culture. In the process, she captures the perspective of the people playing in these groups, who regard the music as essential to the dharma that sustains all things.

As Ellen writes, "The history and meaning of gamelan angklung and its importance to contemporary Balinese cremations is hazy; written sources, recordings, and other forms of scholarship are almost nonexistent...yet, this music, most often performed by everyday villagers, is considered by all Balinese to be a necessary component of village life and death."

You can buy Ellen's book here.

We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Ellen Koskoff!