Dua Lagu means "two songs" in the language bahasa Indonesia. Indonesia is famous for its gamelan orchestras, large ensembles comprised almost entirely of percussion instruments. This piece is inspired by two specific kinds – the gamelan of Central Java and the gamelan of Bali.
The first movement, Lagu Bali, is spirited and lively and uses many rhythmic patterns unique to Balinese gamelan. The second movement, Lagu Java, uses the layering technique of gamelan – the higher the instrument, the faster it goes. It also employs the technique of irama - the tempo gradually slows, and at some point the fast elaborating instruments begin playing double time.
