Topeng Cirebon: Sundanese Music From West / Var

Performances of the topeng masquerade are given for many different occasions in West Java, to honor of ancestors or to celebrate harvests or births. The composition Tatalu is generally heard as an instrumental opening of topeng performances and serves to call the audience, so the real performance can begin. The dance topeng rahwana takes as it's theme power, courage, and bravery but also desire and lack of restraint. Finally, tarawangsa is a genuine popular art is performed on the tarawangsa (a violin with an end pin) and the jentreng (a kind of seven-stringed zither). It's ceremonial significance is associated with a ritual of thanksgiving associated with the rice harvest. Tarawangsa can also be played for healings or even purely for entertainment.