Joko Sutrisno: “Penataan — many different feelings in a short time” (interview)

In this interview, Joko Sutrisno explains the concept of penataan—condensed musical arrangements that present a wide range of moods, structures, and tonalities within a short performance. Originating at STSI Surakarta, penataan transforms long traditional repertoires into concise, dynamic presentations. Sutrisno describes the different types of penataan, from traditional sequences to innovative adaptations for international audiences, and discusses the challenges of creating smooth transitions, working with limited rehearsal time, and adjusting to the abilities of players outside Java. His reflections highlight penataan as both a demanding creative process and a vital tool for introducing Javanese music to new contexts.