Sibuk (meaning 'busy' in Indonesian) was written for a documentary about a boat trip to the Spice Islands in Indonesia. It has since become part of a set of pieces influenced by the music and sounds of this region. It is influenced by Jegog, a form of Gamelan music, which is indigenous to Bali and features struck bamboo instrument splayed in a hypnotic, rhythmic, driving style.
In this piece I wanted to portray the driving nature and sheer energy of this music and also the sudden changes in dynamics that occur in it. The outer two sections of the piece are particularly reminiscent of the Jegog style and the middle section is my own personal response to and reflection on the music and culture.
Hilary Kleinig 2004
Duration: c. 4'20
Sibuk was written for and premiered by Zephyr Quartet in 2004.