Bringing Balinese Gamelan to Life: The Dedication of Ida Bagus Putu Tilem Singars
For Ida Bagus Putu Tilem Singarsa, the art of Balinese gamelan is not merely a skill, but a way of life he has known since an early age. He was introduced to gamelan in his childhood, particularly gender wayang, an instrument closely associated with the world of traditional puppetry.
His interest in the art of gamelan developed more seriously when he was in the second grade of elementary school. Over time, this passion grew deeper. As he entered his teenage years and became actively involved in his local banjar youth community, he participated in arranging musical accompaniments for traditional dances and puppet performances, especially during pengrupukan, an important tradition within the Nyepi Day ritual cycle.
Level Advancement Examination at the Art Studio (Source: Personal Collection)
His father became the central role model in Ida Bagus Putu Tilem Singarsa’s artistic journey. Known as a versatile artist, his father earned the title of a mask maestro and was regarded as one of the leading dalang of his era. The values of perseverance, dedication, and sincerity in the arts passed down by his father remain guiding principles that he continues to uphold.
This dedication continues through Sanggar Seni Dewa Rucci, where Ida Bagus Putu Tilem Singarsa now serves as the head of the art studio. The studio was originally initiated by his father as a platform to represent Bali in various national cultural performances. He has since carried on this legacy by developing structured training programs in gender wayang and semar pegulingan, creating learning spaces for younger generations.
The name Dewa Rucci itself carries deep philosophical meaning. In Balinese wayang tradition, Dewa Rucci represents a divine manifestation who appears to Bima during his quest for Tirtha Amerta under the command of his teacher, Drona. Though small in form, Dewa Rucci reveals the entire universe to Bima, symbolizing obedience, sincere devotion, and the unwavering dedication of a student to a teacher. These values form the spiritual foundation of Sanggar Seni Dewa Rucci—affirming that through devotion and sincerity, a student will ultimately attain true success.
In the hands of the younger generation, Balinese gamelan continues to live on (Source: Personal Collection)
According to Ida Bagus Putu Tilem Singarsa, the art of Balinese gamelan is deeply connected to the spiritual practices of Balinese society. Each gamelan tone is believed to carry specific divine vibrational frequencies, so the presence of gamelan in yadnya ceremonies enhances the atmosphere of sacredness and devotion. Gamelan is not merely sound, but a medium that connects humans, nature, and the Divine.
He also emphasizes that the art of gamelan truly becomes “alive,” or metaksu, when the performer pours their heart and soul into the performance. Sincerity, effort, and emotional depth unified within a piece create a strong bond between the artist and the music produced. From this bond, the true power of a work emerges—one that is capable of deeply touching its audience.
