Different Styles Of Traditional Thai Ensembles - 808 Words

There are two different, traditional Thai ensembles. Neither type of ensemble has a specific name, however, they can be easily differentiated by the different types of instruments they use. One type of ensemble consists mainly of string and melodic percussion instruments (Morton, 1976). This same ensemble is responsible for providing music for plays and other stage acts. The most well-known style of music that the string and melodic percussion ensembles would perform is Pi-phat. This expression of music is distinguishable by its fast, flashy tempo and unique instruments (â€Å"Music of Thailand†, 2013). Pi-phat is audibly recognizable by the pinai, a shrill quadruple reed oboe-like instrument which is always accompanied by melodic percussion.†¦show more content†¦The origin of xylophones can be traced back to Africa and several early Asian civilizations, but it is has a Greek name that means â€Å"wood sound† (â€Å"Percussion Instruments†, 2015). It was greatly used in Thailand in folk music and traditional Thai music. Both traditional and folk Thai music share similar characteristics; both use some of the same melodic percussion instruments, and among these instruments are xylophones. Xylophones are melodic percussion instruments that consist of a series of wooden bars graduated in length to produce the musical scale, supported by belts of straw or felt (â€Å"Xylophone†, Merriam-Webster). These instruments are traditionally played by striking the wooden bars with two small wooden hammers. In modern times, xylophones are used in ensembles around the world. A modern xylophone has its wooden bars, or keys, arranged like the keys of the piano and attached to the bottom of the wooden bars are metal tubes called resonators, where the sound vibrates. The resonators gives the xylophone its bright, bell-like sound (â€Å"Percussion Instruments†, 2015). It is considered to have a soprano pitch due to its shrill sound. In orchestras, xylophones are played with four mallets instead of the traditional two mallet method (Cherrett, 2011). They are also played using mallets of other materials rather than the traditional wooden hammers. Xylophones can be played with mallets of different hardnessesShow MoreRelatedAn Exploration of the Malay Kompang2937 Words   |  12 PagesArabic Influences 7 2.2 Portuguese Influences 9 2.3 Thai Influences 11 2.4 African Influences 12 Chapter 3: Future Changes in the Malay Kompang 14 3.1 Pop and Media Influences 14 3.2 Western Influences 15 Chapter 4: Conclusion 16 Bibliography 17 Discography/ Videography 19 Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Kompang The Malay Kompang ensemble refers to a Malay drum ensemble that ranges between three performers in a small chamber or accompanimentRead MorePalawan Vocal Music4111 Words   |  17 PagesMalaysia are greatly associated with their culture and roots. The stage of development of Malaysian instruments are great. Musical ensembles types of performances in Malaysia * Agung and Kulintang * Used in funerals and weddings in East Malaysia. * Kertok * Consist of xylophones played swiftly and rhythmically in traditional Malay function. Dikir Barat It is performed by singing in groups and often a competitive manner usually with percussion instrumental