The concept of the semara pagulingan orchestra and its repertoire is thought to have originated in the kingdom of Gelgel in Klungkung (circa 1515–1686). The repertoire is primarily derived from its musical predecessor, gamelan gambuh an ensemble dominated by long flutes. In palaces across Bali, the refined semara pagulingan orchestra was played on the gamelan pavilion in the courtyard for the pleasure of the royal family and to lull the king to sleep. In Balinese, ‘Semara’ means ‘love’ and ‘pagulingan’ means ‘a way of sleeping’—this is how this ethereal orchestra got its name.