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Southeast Asian Musical Instruments

The document summarizes various musical instruments from Southeast Asian countries. It describes the oneat xylophone, samphor drum, and skor thom drums used in Cambodian classical music. It also discusses the gamelan ensemble, metallophone, xylophone, and kendhang drums used in Indonesian music. Further, it provides details on instruments like the chauk lon, maung hsaing, and saung gauk from Myanmar, as well as the agung, kulintang, and kertok instruments of Malaysia. The document concludes by outlining instruments featured in the musical traditions of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

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100% found this document useful (4 votes)
5K views11 pages

Southeast Asian Musical Instruments

The document summarizes various musical instruments from Southeast Asian countries. It describes the oneat xylophone, samphor drum, and skor thom drums used in Cambodian classical music. It also discusses the gamelan ensemble, metallophone, xylophone, and kendhang drums used in Indonesian music. Further, it provides details on instruments like the chauk lon, maung hsaing, and saung gauk from Myanmar, as well as the agung, kulintang, and kertok instruments of Malaysia. The document concludes by outlining instruments featured in the musical traditions of Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Uploaded by

muak mijar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CAMBODIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

ONEAT
is a xylophone used in the Khmer
classical music of Cambodia. It is
built in the shape of a curved,
rectangular shaped boat. It has
twenty-one thick bamboo or hard
wood bars that are suspended from
strings attached to the two walls.

SAMPHOR - a small barrel drum


indigenous to Cambodia. It has two
heads and is played with both
hands. The player of the sampho
leads the pinpeat (a classical
ensemble of wind and percussion
instruments), setting the tempo
and beat.

SKOR THOM
pair of large barrel drums, played
with sticks
KONG VONG is a number of gongs
that are attached to a circle-shaped
rack, closely resembling its larger
relative, the kong thom.
Bothinstruments belong to the
percussion family of traditional
Khmer instruments, along with the
roneat ek, roneat dek, and roneat
thung.

CHHING
are bowl-shaped, about 5
centimeters in diameter, and
made of bronze alloy—iron,
copper, and gold. They are
struck together in a cyclical
pattern to keep time and
regulate the melody, and they
function as the "timekeeper" of
the ensemble.
INDONESIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

GAMELAN s the traditional


ensemble music of Java and Bali in
Indonesia, made up predominantly
of percussive instruments. The most
common instruments used are
metallophones played by mallets and
a set of hand-played drums called
kendhang which register the beat

METALLOPHONE is any
musical instrument consisting of
tuned metal bars which are struck
to make sound, usually with a
mallet. Metallophones have been
used in music in Asia for thousands
of years.

XYLOPHONES
meaning"wooden sound") is
a musical instrument in the
percussion family that consists of
wooden bars struck by mallets.
KENDANG note the equal size of both sides. The
drum in this picture is exceptional - usually Balinese
kendangs are conical (actually hour-glass formed on
the inside). Kendhang (Javanese: Kendhang,
Malay: Gendang, Tausug/Bajau Maranao: Gandang)
is a two-headed drum used by peoples from
Maritime Southeast Asia

GONG - musical
percussion instrument that takes the form
of a flat, circular metal disc which is hit
with a mallet

BAMBOO FLUTES
- is an aerophone or reedless wind
instrument made of bamboo that produces its
sound from the flow of air across an opening.

BOWED that are played by a bow rubbing the


strings. The bow rubbing the string causes
vibration which the instrument emits as sound.
MYANMAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

CHAUK LON PART

- Compose of a set of eight


tuned

MAUNG HSAING

- also spelt saing waing) is a


traditional Burmese folk musical
ensemble, consisting of a number of
different gongs and drums, as well as
other instruments, depending on the
nature of the performance.

PAT WAING
- s a set of 21 drums in a circle,
traditional from Burma. The player
sits in the middle of a horseshoe-
shaped shell made of elaborately
carved wood and decorated with gold
leaf. The drums are played with the
bare hands.
KYI WAING
small bronze gongs with circular
frame
SAUNG GAUK

- is an arched harp used in traditional


Burmese music. The saung is regarded as
a national musical instrument of Burma.

HNE
is a multiple reed oboe with a remarkable crooked form. It
knows seven nearly equidistant playing holes which were
basic for the development of the main Burmese scales in
both chamber and ensemble music.

SIAND WA
The brass cymbals “si”(left), which sometimes get
replaced by the bigger “yakwin”, are held in the
right hand of the vocalist. In the other hand, he/she
holds the wooden “wa” which appears in the shape
of castanets or a bamboo node slit open (right).
Both provide the basic patterns of a tune, where all
accents are performed by the “wa” while the “si”
gets used on weak or unaccented notes. Each
pattern is strictly linked to a melodic phrase and
often counts up to 9 or 16 bars.
MALAYSIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
AGUNG

- is a set of two wide-rimmed,


vertically suspended gongs

KULINTANG
- is a modern term for an

ancient instrumental form of


music composed on a row of
small, horizontally laid gongs
that function melodically,
accompanied by larger,
suspended gongs and drums.

KERTOK

 s a type of musical
ensemble that consists of
the xylophone played in
traditional Malay
functions. This article
about a music genre is a
stub.
DIKIR BARAT - is a musical form, native to
the Malay Peninsula, that involves singing in groups—often in
a competitive setting. Dikir barat may be performed either
with percussion instrumental accompaniment, or with
no instruments at all.

SILAT MELAYU- Silat Melayu (Jawi: ‫)ماليو سيلت‬, literally meaning "Malay silat" is a
blanket term for silat styles of the Malay people. The term was originally used in reference to
the native silat of Riau, but today it is more commonly used for the systems created
in peninsular Southeast Asia, particularlyMalaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam.
In modern usage, the term is most often used to differentiate the Malaysian styles from
Indonesian pencak silat. English-language writings sometimes mistakenly refer to silat Melayu
as bersilat but this is actually a verb form of the noun silat.
THAILAND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

PHIPAT - is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which


features wind and percussion instruments. It is considered the primary form of
ensemble for the interpretation of the most sacred and "high-class"
compositions of the Thai classical repertoire, including the Buddhist invocation
entitled sathukan (Thai: สาธุการ) as well as the suites called phleng rueang. It is
also used to accompany traditional Thai theatrical and dance forms
including khon (Thai: โขน) (masked dance-drama), lakhon (classical dance),
and shadow puppet theater.

KHRUENG SAI - literally "string ensemble") is a musical ensemble in Thai classical


music which consists primarily of string instruments. A typical khrueang sai ensemble
features two two-string fiddles, one high and one low (saw duang and saw u), a three-
string zither called jakhe, a vertical duct flute called khlui, hand drums, and
various cymbals. Depending on the size of the ensemble, instruments may be doubled or
left out. A three-string spike fiddle called saw sam sai may be added as well.
The khim (hammered dulcimer) has become popular and is also used in this ensemble.

MAHORI - is a form of Thai classical


ensemble which was traditionally played
by women in the courts. It combines the
xylophones and gong circles (but not the
pi, or oboe) of the piphat with the strings of
the khruang sai ensemble
. LAOS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

SEP NYAI
- this is similar to the piphat of
Thailand with instruments that are
strictly percussive but also intergrates
the use of an oboe

SEP NOI – this is also known as the Mahori of Thailand


- It incorporates the use of severe Khene which is used is a large bamboo mouth
organ and is the most popular folk music instruments of laos.
. VIETNAM MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

IMPERIAL COURT MUSIC


- specifically referring to the court music played
from the Trần dynasty to the very last Nguyễn
dynasty of Vietnam, being synthesized and most
highly developed by the Nguyễn emperors. Along
with nhã nhạc, the imperial court of Vietnam in
the 19th century also had many royal
dances which still exist to this day. The theme of
most of these dances is to wish the king longevity
and the country wealth.

FOLK MUSIC

Vietnamese folk music is extremely diverse and


includes dân ca, quan họ, hát chầu văn, ca trù, hò,
and hát xẩm, among other forms.

RELIGIOUS and CEREMONIAL MUSIC

Vietnamese have had a strong inclination for


music. The music for the Vietnamese people is
considered to be an essential need; therefore,
numerous musical instruments and genres intended for
various purposes have been developed. Vietnamese
people use music to express their innermost feelings, to
encourage themselves while working and fighting, to
educate their children in good traditions and national
sentiment, to communicate with the invisible, and to
sublimate their aspirations for a happy life.

Common questions

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The Pat Waing is a distinctive set of 21 drums arranged in a circle, traditionally from Burma. The drums are housed within a horseshoe-shaped shell elaborately carved and decorated with gold leaf, highlighting its cultural and artistic significance. The player sits in the center and plays the drums with bare hands, allowing a wide range of dynamic and expressive possibilities in performances. This setup enables the musician to engage with each drum rapidly across the circular array, allowing intricate rhythmic patterns .

Dikir barat, a form of music from the Malay Peninsula, is unique in that it primarily involves singing in groups, often in a competitive setting. While it typically incorporates percussion instruments, it can also be performed completely a cappella, emphasizing its vocal focus. This contrasts with other Southeast Asian musical forms, which often rely heavily on instrumental ensembles with significant emphasis on percussive, string, or wind instruments such as in gamelan or pinpeat ensembles .

Folk music plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity in Vietnam by encapsulating the nation's diverse ethnic traditions and values. Various forms of folk music, such as dân ca, quan họ, hát chầu văn, and others, serve not only as a repository of historical and cultural wisdom but also as a means of communal expression and identity. Through these musical forms, Vietnamese communities maintain their distinct cultural narratives and traditions, allowing for the transmission of cultural heritage across generations in constantly changing social landscapes .

The Hne, a multiple reed oboe with a crooked form, is significant in Burmese ensemble music due to its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of emotional expressions. With seven equidistant holes, it plays an essential role in determining the music's melodic structure and can adapt to both chamber and large ensemble settings. Its capability to produce a powerful yet supple sound allows it to blend various instruments while also standing out as a solo or leading voice in performances .

The khrueang sai ensemble illustrates the diversity of Thai classical music by merging various string instruments, including fiddles, zithers, and flutes, with traditional percussion. This ensemble's blending of strings with percussive elements reflects the broad spectrum of Thai musical expression, accommodating both intricate melodic lines and rhythmic sophistication. The inclusion of instruments like the khim (hammered dulcimer) in modern ensembles further showcases its adaptability and the evolving nature of Thai musical traditions .

The saung gauk, an arched harp, holds great cultural significance within traditional Burmese music as it is considered a national instrument. Its construction, with an elaborately decorated body featuring gold leaf, reflects Burma's rich artistic heritage. The saung gauk is often associated with court music and ceremonial contexts, symbolizing cultural pride and continuity of historical musical practices. Its gentle, resonant sound embodies the nuanced traditions and aesthetic subtleties valued in Burmese music .

The sampho, a small barrel drum indigenous to Cambodia, plays a crucial role in pinpeat ensembles by leading the group in both tempo and beat. It is played with both hands, ensuring the rhythmic foundation needed for the ensemble's cohesion. The player of the sampho sets the tempo and serves as a guide for other musicians, thus influencing the overall dynamics and flow of the performance .

The phipat ensemble, featuring wind and percussion instruments, is a quintessential expression of Thai classical music, reflecting the cultural priorities of sacredness and high artistic value. Utilized for interpreting sacred and complex compositions, as well as accompanying traditional dance forms, the phipat exemplifies the reverence for historical and religious traditions in Thai culture. Its structure and instrumentation are designed to create layers of intricate rhythms and melodies, mirroring the sophisticated aesthetic values and spiritual emphasis inherent in Thai classical music .

Religious and ceremonial contexts are fundamentally influential in shaping Vietnamese musical traditions. Music in Vietnam is deeply integrated into spiritual and cultural life, often used to express innermost feelings, educate, and communicate with spiritual entities. This strong inclination for music has led to the development of numerous instruments and genres designed for various purposes. Such musical practices reflect the Vietnamese people's desire to blend cultural expression with spiritual and ceremonial meanings, resulting in diverse and rich musical traditions .

Metallophones, characterized by tuned metal bars struck by mallets, are a defining feature of the gamelan ensemble. These instruments contribute a distinct shimmering sound that is pivotal to the gamelan's rich harmonic and rhythmic textures. Their use in gamelan highlights the ensemble's emphasis on percussive instruments, differentiating it from other musical traditions that may use strings or wind instruments predominantly .

CAMBODIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
ONEAT 
is a xylophone used in the Khmer 
classical music of Cambodia. It is 
built in the shap
KONG VONG  is a number of gongs 
that are attached to a circle-shaped 
rack, closely resembling its larger 
relative, the k
INDONESIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
 
GAMELAN s the traditional 
ensemble music of Java and Bali in 
Indonesia, made up predomina
KENDANG note the equal size of both sides. The 
drum in this picture is exceptional - usually Balinese 
kendangs are conical
MYANMAR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
 
CHAUK LON PART 
- Compose of a set of eight 
tuned  
 
 
MAUNG HSAING 
-  also spelt saing wai
SAUNG GAUK  
- is an arched harp used in traditional 
Burmese music. The saung is regarded as 
a national musical instrumen
MALAYSIAN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
AGUNG  
-  is a set of two wide-rimmed, 
vertically suspended gongs  
 
 
 
 
KULINTANG  
-  i
DIKIR BARAT - is a musical form, native to 
the Malay Peninsula, that involves singing in groups—often in 
a competitive se
THAILAND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
 
 
PHIPAT - is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which 
features wind and
. LAOS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
SEP NYAI  
- this is similar to the piphat  of 
Thailand with instruments  that are 
st

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