| NYOMAN REMBANG TOKOH KARAWITAN BALI (1930-2001)

This research concerns about the biography of I Nyoman Rembang, a prominent figure in karawitan Bali, especially his artistic activity and con¬cepts in the development of karawitan Bali. In addition, this research intends to understand factors that influence his to become a prominent figure in karawitan Bali. This investigation is important to know the role and his contributions in the development of theory of karawitan, arts, and the contri¬butions in Indonesia. Since the life of Nyoan Rembang is complex, this re¬search uses multidisciplinary approach consisting of history, psychology, and other social science. As a noted artist of karawitan, he was not only know as gamelan player, but also as a teacher, a writer, a composer, a gamelan maker, a creator of gamelan, a manager, and a good thinker. In karawitan Bali I Nyoman Rembang's competence was conspicuous both in practical and theoretical matters. As a gamelan player, I Nyoman Rembang was able to play several instrumens in various gamelan Bali. Also, he was a teacher of gamelan in his community. In festivalevents, his groups won in championships. As a composer, he created many pieces, some of them were nominated as champions in gong kebyar festival in Bali. I Nyoman Rembang was also a bamboo gamelan maker. As a gamelan maker, he also created innovation and was able to create gamelan Bumbang. He sold the gamelan to people in Indonesia and abroad. As a thinker, I Nyoman Rembang was able to write his concepts both in practical and theoretical matters. His writings were beneficial for documenting, preserving, disseminating, and developing gamelan. His theoretical writings were useful for reference in education process. As a manager, he presented his thoughts for the develop¬ment of karawitan Bali. I Nyoman Rembang had good motivation to serve his ability and knowledge in karawitan. His family and people in community supported his strong efforts to develop gamelan Bali. His service and commitment in karawitan Bali caused him to become a prominent figure in the field. For that reasong, it is appropriate if he gets appreciation from several communities, both when he was still alive and when he died. Key words: Figure � Tradition - Developing � Change