Sa-wat-dee kraup (male speaker)

Sa-wat-dee Kah (female speaker)

Hellow

What comes first to your mind if I say Thailand ?

Music of the Free Land

Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is known for being the sole nation in Southeast Asia that has never been ruled by Western power. It is for this reason that the country is also called “Muang Thai” which means “Land of Free”

Thailand

Thailand is a SEA country inhabited by people who trace their roots from Canton, S.E. China

History and geography indicates that Thai music is conglomeration of Asian influences.Conglomeration is a fancy word for a bunch of stuff brought together. Its musical principles and elements are basically derived from Chinese music, while its instruments are inspired from the Indian and Indonesian strings and gong-chimes.

Rhythm over Harmony Music is based on (equidistant) 7-tone scale

However, folksongs & vocal music are based on pentatonic scale (non-semitones)

No Intervals like perfect fourth / fifth.

No Major & Minor Scale

Traditional Music System is observed to have a heterophonic Texture

Distinct Characteristics

There is no trace of Western influence in Thai traditional music because it is only Southeast Asian Country that has never been ruled by any Western nation.

Thai music is a product of Asian influences.

It has its own structure and form.

Thai music has a heterophonic texture.

It is based on the seven-tone scale system where each tone is equidistant from each other.

Traditional Thai is written in 2 time signature. 4

Vocal Music

Performers sing and move to the music of Thailand.

Thai people chant and worship in the temple

The Thai language is very tonal.

Articulation of the text rather than in the style or technique of execution.

Vocal Music of Thailand

listen

Ritual Songs : o A. Suod- Chanting of religious verses

o B. Thes- not as sacred as suod.This can be used in poetry reading, recitation, and speech

Entertainment Songs:◦ A. Phleng Klomdek-nursery rhymes◦ B. Phleng Bork-songs for male singers that tell

about stories and news◦ C. Sebha-solo song◦ D.He Ruea-boat song◦ E. Sangkhara-originally a beggar’s music

Genres

Ritual and chang as a sample

Thai songs and singing activities are very important for they are means of expression in entertainment.

The text are poetic in nature, so it is easy to define their melodic lines.

Thai music is written in different styles that suit various occasions.

Thailand’s Musical Instruments

These are grouped as percussion or ideophones, woodwind or aerophones, and sringed instruments or chordophones.

Ranat thum

Idiophones

Khawng wong lek

Khawng wong yai

Ching Chap

Taphon

Ramana Thon ramana

Membranophones

Jakhae Saw sam sai

Aerophones

Thailand’s musical instruments are the product of the people’s lifestyles and the available materials present in the environment.

Thailand’s Musical Ensembles

Thailand has 3 primary instrumental ensembles that are similar to the other ensembles in Southeast Asia.

◦Piphat-this ensemble has different types but the highly ornate one is traditionally associated funerals and cremation ceremonies.

Khrueang Sai- an orchestra that combines some of the percussion and wind instruments of that Piphat with and expanded string section.

Mahori- traditionally played by women because of this instruments for this ensemble are historically smaller.

A vocalist of Mahori is ussually accompanied by so sam sai. videos

The musical instruments of Thailand were derived from the Chinese, Indonesia and Indian musical instruments.

Thai musical instruments are played solo ang group performances.

There are three ensembles in Thai court music, mainly the Mahori, the Piphat and the Kruang Saay ensemble.

Let’s Learn & Sing!Loi-Loi Gratong

is a ceremony that venerates the Lord Buddha by offering floating trays laden with flowers, candles and incense. Loy translates to “float” in Thai, while Kratong pertains to a tray made from banana leaves. The light from the candle honors Lord Buddha, while the act of floating symbolizes the release of anger, resentment or any tarnishing of one’s character. It is a way for a person to make amends and start afresh.

Loy Kratong

Every November-full moon

 Kop Khun Kraup (or Kah for a woman)

Thank you!