9.1 Thai classical and folk music traditions

Thai classical and folk music traditions showcase the rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. From intricate court ensembles to lively village performances, these musical styles reflect Thailand's diverse social landscape and historical influences.

Instruments like the ranat ek xylophone and khaen mouth organ create unique sounds, while complex rhythms and melodic structures define classical compositions. Folk music, with its regional variations, plays a vital role in community life and religious celebrations.

Instruments of Thai Music

Melodic Instruments

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• The ranat ek is a high-pitched xylophone played with two mallets, consisting of 21 wooden bars suspended over a boat-shaped trough resonator
• Quadruple-reed oboes called pi nai and pi nok are used to play the main melody in the piphat ensemble
  • The pi nai plays in a lower range while the pi nok plays an octave higher
• The khlui is a vertical duct flute made from hardwood, coming in several sizes to cover different pitch ranges
  • The khlui phiang aw is commonly used for solo performances
• The saw sam sai is a three-stringed spike fiddle played with a bow, held vertically on the lap of the performer
  • It has a coconut shell body and hardwood neck

Percussion and Other Instruments

• The khong wong yai is a large gong circle featuring 16 tuned bossed gongs in a rattan frame, played with two padded mallets
• The klong that is a pair of double-headed barrel drums played with the hands, with the higher-pitched drum on the right
  • They help define the rhythmic structure called natap
• Folk ensembles prominently feature the bamboo mouth organ called the khaen, which has 16 bamboo pipes connected to a hardwood windchest
  • It is played by inhaling and exhaling

Music in Thai Culture

Classical Music in Ceremonies and Theater

• Thai classical ensembles perform as part of the khon masked dance-drama tradition, which depicts stories from the Ramakien Hindu epic
  • The music accompanies dance and pantomime
• Piphat ensembles perform for the shadow puppet theater called nang yai, which features large puppets made of cow hide
  • The music punctuates character actions and provides atmosphere
• Ceremonial music for the royal court and religious rites is performed by the khrueang sai ensemble
  • It features stringed instruments and flutes
• Music accompanies Thai boxing (muay thai) matches
  • The pi chawa oboe and klong khaek drums play a set rhythm to build excitement during rounds

Folk Music in Village Life

• Folk music is performed at religious festivals, weddings, funerals, and other community events in regional Thai villages
  • It often involves group singing and dancing
• Mor lam storytelling is a folk tradition from Laos and Isan involving extemporaneous singing
  • It is accompanied by the khaen mouth organ, saw fiddle, and klong drums
• Folk music reflects the lives and traditions of common people in different Thai regions
  • It is tied to animist or Buddhist rituals and celebrations

Structure of Thai Classical Music

Melodic and Modal Concepts

• Thai classical compositions use a system of modes called thang, which are types of scales defining the possible notes and ornaments for a piece
• Melodies are heterophonic, with each instrument realizing the core melody in a unique way through improvised embellishments
  • Heterophony creates a layered melodic texture
• The basic melody is divided into sections called thon, which are repeated in strophic form by the ensemble
  • Thon may be subdivided into melodic phrases called wak

Rhythm and Form

• Thai rhythmic structure is defined by patterns called natap, which are repetitive rhythmic units or measures played on the klong that drums
  • Natap use specific drum strokes indicating accents, phrase endings, and tempo called tha
  • There are dozens of standard natap patterns used in the repertoire
• Compositions are metered, with a basic pulse (mattra) felt throughout
  • The most common meters have 2, 3 or 4 beats per measure
• Rhythmic density and tempo define three distinct variation forms: sam chan (slow), song chan (medium), and chan diao (fast)
  • A composition will state the melody in all three forms

Thai Classical vs Folk Music

Musical Characteristics

• Classical music uses complex compositional forms in multiple sections, while folk music tends to be simpler tunes for group singing or dancing
• Improvisation in classical music is more prescribed, with each instrument realizing the melody heterophonically
  • Folk music uses freer improvisation, especially in mor lam singing
• Classical music uses a system of modes (thang) and rhythmic patterns (natap) that is more complex than folk music
  • Folk music commonly uses pentatonic scales and syncopated rhythms
• Classical ensembles feature a wider range of instruments compared to folk ensembles
  • Folk groups typically only include vocals, khaen, lute, fiddle and drums

Cultural Context

• Thai classical music is considered high art, requiring strict training, while folk music is an informal oral tradition passed down in rural communities
• The function of classical music was tied to royal ceremonies and entertainment
  • It is considered secular in nature
• Folk music is more often connected to animist or Buddhist rituals and celebrations in Thai village life
  • It reflects the regional identities and traditions of different rural communities