This is the first in a three-part series documenting the Indonesian gamelan tradition of the four princely courts of the neighboring cities of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Although only 37 miles apart, the two cities developed an intense stylistic rivalry in the 18th century after their political separation. At the turn of the 20th century, however, intermarriage between formerly competing political families kindled exchange between the two styles, resulting in the sound that is today associated with the Paku Alaman court, which is featured here. This recording represents one of the major classical traditions of Eastern art music.