Thai society and the importance of traditional music

Posted by paul on December 12th, 2007 filed in Locals

Thailand’s northern part is an enchanting region that is bestowed with a fascinating history and numerous cultural traditions. The richness of the north’s culture is well-promoted by the proud locals across the entire Thai nation. For many centuries, making, listening and dancing to music has always remained a main component of a joyful and meaningful life for the Northern Thai people.

Northern Thai traditional litophone

The traditional music was from generation to generation passed on from the masters to their students aurally. Unlike Western musical styles, which are usually provided with a theory and history, the Northern Thai masters basically played short and melodic patterns. It was the student’s task to memorise and reproduce the music. Once the student was able to perform the taught passages, more musical patterns would be added. The final result was a long replication from one of many Thai traditional melodies.

During the last five decades the music’s musical notation has grown. However, there are still a number of traditional music schools, which practice and educate through the ancient method of memorisation. The classical music of Northern Thailand aims to reflect the most important characteristics of being Thai, such as moral values, identity, prestige, Buddhism and harmony. The entire concept of memorisation for knowledge’s sake is found in Thailand’s main religion and in music teaching alike. According to the Buddhist religion, all of mankind’s knowledge is “a frozen Dharmasastra” which is a static and entirely developed system of the correct formulae and the right rules.

Khun Pong Ky is a locally known graduate of Bangkok’s acclaimed Thamassat University. For years he studied and tried to explain the highly significant importance of traditional music in Thailand’s Buddhist temples. In the Thai colourful society deep religious believes and music, exist and function extremely close to one another. Besides using music in religious and ceremonial events, they also serve as the pillars for similar fundamental standards. Today, the nation’s Buddhism and traditional Thai music and dance still reflect numerous similarities. Here is much more comprehensive info on Thai music, dance and art available.