A House in Bali

A House in Bali

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In the 1930s a young American composer heard some gramophone records of Balinese gamelan music- the clear metallic music of the land that forever changed his life. Writer Colin McPhee lived for the day when he could travel and study the beautiful island, its people, culture, and music. His classic text written in the 1940s remains the only literary narrative of the island by a classically trained musician, and this unique perspective allowed him to immerse himself in the people, and music of his beloved Bali. McPhee's work is a landmark look at Bali's distinctive gamelan tradition, now available again more than 50 years after it was written. Colin McPhee left Bali in 1938 as the threat of World War loomed over the Pacific.

From the Inside Flap

About the Author

Colin McPhee left Bali in 1938 as the threat of World War loomed over the Pacific.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read, August 23, 2003

By 

murni@murnis.com (Ubud, Bali) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A House in Bali (Paperback)

I am Balinese and live in Ubud, about 10 minutes walk from where Colin McPhee stayed, when he came to Bali in 1931. My aunt worked for him.

He heard a record of gamelan music in New York and couldn't wait to get to Bali to listen to the real thing.

He stayed in Bali for almost 8 years and set about documenting gamelan music. Much of his research was carried out in a village near Ubud where my Villas are. There are still old people in the village who remember him.

His book is beautifully written and tells stories of his adventures and life in the village and his encounters with the local Balinese. It's not necessary to understand technical music matters to enjoy this book - it is totally accessible.

Highly recommended.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hooked!, May 19, 2002

By 

storygirl (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A House in Bali (Paperback)

Ever since I visited Bali in 1997, I've been hooked on anything Bali--gamelan music, the wayang puppets, the masks, the smell of kretek ( I don't smoke) and incense, frangipani flowers,... even the sputtering sound of motorcycles! I got my hands on all the National Geographic issues on Bali I could lay my hands on in second-hand bookshops .

When I found this book, I was almost certain I wasn't going to be disappointed. I was right. Consider, for instance, the blurb at the back of the book: "The graveryard, moreover, was a natural meeeting-place for witches and sorcerers, for every village had its suspects, owneres of books of spells that enabled the reader to change himself into a leyak--a ball of fire, a giant rat, or even a riderless motor cycle that travelled backwards. In this magic state sorcerers were indeed dangerous; they could send a man out of his wits or bring him to a lingering death."

Written by a musician, it doesn't fare so badly as a literary read. It captures the magic, mysticism, and soul of a place. A Bali experience is a sensory overload. Colin McPhee happily immersed himself in it and did a very impressive job. 

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic account of life and music in Bali in the 1930's.,May 21, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: A House in Bali (Hardcover)

Colin McPhee was a young American composer, just out of college in the early thirties when he heard a recording of Bali's unique gamelan music. Having time and (apparently) money, he traveled to the island, lived there for several years and studied the music. The book is a warm-hearted account of the people he knew, their lives and their music. Anyone thinking of a trip to Bali or just curious about the Balinese and their music must read this classic. Unfortunately, it is currently listed as not in stock by the publisher. If we pester them enough, perhaps they will print more.