Essential Unit 11: Thailand

Music of Thailand There are three main styles of classical

music in Thailand pi-phat,  khruang sai, mahori. These styles make use of four different

instrument groups: woodwinds, strings, melodic percussion, and rhythmic percussion. 

Music of Thailand Pi-phat:  most well-known style to non-

Thais, probably due to its fast, flashy tempo and unique instruments. 

Native instruments: pinai - shrill quadruple reed oboe-like instrument.  other instruments: ranat (a curved, boat-shaped

xylophone) and the khlong wong yai (a circle of small kettle gongs)  

Music of Thailand Pi Morn and Pi Nai: Like a “Thai Oboe”

Gong Wong lek and Gong Wong Yai: Circular set of high or low

pitched gongs/chimes

Thai Classical InstrumentsThai Classical InstrumentsKhong wong yai (gong circle)

Ranat ek (leading xylophone)

Left 2: Pi (reed aerophones)

Right 3: Khlui (flutes)

Thon ramana (goblet & frame drums)Chap lek (large cymbals)

Krap sepha (wood clappers)Ching (small cymbals)

Music of Thailand Recording: Excellent example with ching (hand cymbals), Pi (wood

wind instrument made with a double or quadruple reed), Ranad and circular gongs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGxWieWbJvA

Recording with large variety of instruments: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K4UJfvDLMw Recordings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrxaFSotE_0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIdleRSML-o

Music of Thailand Khruang Sai Ensemble: The Khruang Sai ensemble is made up of

mostly traditional stringed instruments, but also a few hand drums and cymbals

Will occasionally incorporate a violin. This ensemble is the quietest ensemble, it is used to accompany singing, dancing, and holidays.

There are several different types of Khruang Sai ensembles, which use different combinations of the stringed instruments.

Music of Thailand

Mahori Ensemble: The Mahori ensemble was traditionally made up of women. The Mahori played in the courts of Thailand. The Mahori is made up of instruments from both the Piphat, and

Kruang Sai ensembles. Because women originally made up this ensemble, they used

smaller instruments because it was thought that it was more appropriate for women to use smaller instruments then men. Now, regular sized instruments are used in this ensemble and both men and women can be found in these ensembles

Temple AnalogyTemple Analogy

Layered Roof

Melodic percussion & pi

Pillars

Ching - aural conductor

Foundation

Drums, small percussion

Layered Roof

Melodic percussion & pi

Pillars

Ching - aural conductor

Foundation

Drums, small percussion

Music of Northeast Thailand

Culturally Lao Rice economy Isan influence

Music of Northeast Thailand

Khaen - mouth organ

“happy harmonica”

Lam - poetic song

Repartee (quick, witty conversation)

Listening: http:/ / cw.routledge.com/ textbooks/ miller-9780415808231/ ch06-listening-6-4.asp

Cultural Considerations

Maw lam: professional poets Festival and ritual

entertainment http:/ / www.youtube.com/

watch?v=oASKjL9o8m0

Left: Maw lam perform onstage to khaen accompaniment.

Right: Khaen (free-reed mouth organ)

Music of Thailand –Melting traditional with modern PhlengLuk Thung

Luk Thung songs: typically reflect the hardship of everyday life among the rural poor.

Tempos tend to be slow, and singers use an expressive singing style with a lot of vibrato.

Comparisons are sometimes made with country music of theUnited States. Old-fashioned “country” pop

Recording: http:/ / www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xQmjJ jpRHm8Recording: http:/ / www.gavilan.edu/ disted/ media/ philcollins/

Mix of modern and traditional instruments