A HOUSE IN BALI

by Colin McPhee ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Through five years in quest of studying and preserving Balinese music, the author missed little of the atmosphere of Balinese life and personalities. This is a personal, intimate record that encompasses not only the musical cultures but the social, culinary, dramatic, religious, domestic and magical worlds. He won increasingly deeper regard, and building a home in the hills completely entrenched him. He studies the contrasts between the academic approach of the classic musicians and the living, creative work of the younger men, he learns much about the gamelans and their distinctive music and handling, he explores the dancers and their work, the meanings of the shadow plays; he helps educate a boy dancer; he recognizes the rift between white colonials and Balinese, knows that his isolation gives him protection, starts a children's music club, and is aware of the termination of the idyllic life with approach of war... In addition to artistic appeal, this makes a real contribution to depicting life in Bali.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 9625936297

Page Count: -

Publisher: John Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1946

Categories: NONFICTION