MUSIC OF THE LAO ETHNIC IN THE CHAO PRAYA RIVER BASIN

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MUSIC OF THE LAO ETHNIC IN THE CHAO PRAYA RIVER BASIN

Journal Title: European Journal of Business and Social Sciences - Year 2012, Vol 1, Issue 8

Abstract

This research entitled; Music of the Lao Ethnic in the Chao Praya River Basin is a Ethnomusicology Qualitative research study with the aim to 1) Study the history and origin of Lao ethnics in the Chao Praya river basin, 2) To study the musical livelihood of Lao ethnics in the Chao Praya river basin and 3) To study the social changes in music and culture of Lao ethnics in the Chao Praya river basin. Lao ethnics in the Chao Praya river basins have origins in Laos in which they were relocated and resettled during war period from two major Laotian cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Currently the remaining Lao ethnics that live in the Chao Praya River basin include the Loa Song or Tai Dam and Lao Kruhng. Surviving musical culture of the Lao ethnics is the Kaen instrument and monophonic texture melodies of iterative songs and maw lam singing. Currently there are many Lao ethnics that have moved into the city to find work. Laotians are now more open to modern media and foreign culture have gained acceptance. The acceptance of foreign culture by Loa ethnics, especially youths through the environment of Thai society and modern schooling in central Thai language have caused Laotians to feel that they have more in common with the social community in central Thailand than their own background. The acceptance of foreign culture by youths has affected the musical culture of Lao ethnics in the community and they have had to adjust and adapt to keep up with the social changes and for survival. The indigenous music in each of the Lao communities was affected and indigenous ensembles and folk musical bands saw a decrease in performances. Swift changes had to be made for the survival of the bands and so they started to innovate such as include the Pong Lang (Log Xylophone) with Maw Lum singing and adjust the melody to be more modern and related to current social trends and styles.

Authors and Affiliations

Pinyo Phuthed| College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham, Thailand 44150, Tel/Fax (66) 43754385, Assoc. Prof. Chalermpol Ngamsuttit| Faculty of Fine Arts, Bangkok: Graduate School, Srinakharinwirot University, 114 Sukhumvit 23, Bangkok, Thailand, 10110 Tel. (662) 2600123, 6495496 Fax. (662) 2600123 ext. 115, Assoc. Prof. Suchart Saengthong| College of Music, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham, Thailand 44150, Tel/Fax (66) 43754385

Keywords

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EP ID EP10195
DOI -
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