MAINLAND SOUTHEAST ASIA: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar

General characteristics of Mainland Southeast Asia region:

Ethnic groups unified under nation states

Majority ethnic groups define nation states:

Vietnamese, Thai, Lao, Burmese

Minority ethnic groups exist across international boundaries:

Hmong, Kmhmu, Thai Dam

China and India: major historical cultural influence of the region.

Religion: Buddhism coexists with local religious beliefs and practices.

Music is integrated with theater and dance forms.

General types of music in Mainland Southeast Asia:

1) Court music (classical): majority ethnic groups with political power

Large ensembles of instruments signifying political power,

today maintained in educational institutions.

Form: Instruments embellish a basic melodic core;

Colotomic (time marking) instruments;

Music based on modes (explicit or implicit theory).

Programmatic music: music that represents an image or story

2) Folk music: associated with ethnic minority groups

Tends to be vocal; often with instrumental accompaniment

Tends to be connected to tonal languages

Music as communication between the sexes (vocal and instrumental)

3) Popular music: emerging from urban centers

Draws upon folk music and Western pop to varying degrees.

Promotes national identity; promotes urban value system.

Selections from CD1:

Malaysia

25. Perah spirit song

26. Healing ceremony

Thailand

27. Pi-phat ensemble - Sounds of the Surf Overture

28. Thai Dam khap repartee singing

29. Bamboo jew’s harp - Kmhmu highlanders, Thailand

30. Courtship flute with singing and humming - Kmhmu highlanders, California

Vietnam

31. Monochord solo
32. Vong Co (Thinking of Past Love)

Laos

33. Khene solo - “On the Mekong”

34. Folk song of the north (with khene accompaniment)

Myanmar (Burma)

35. Burmese kyo classical song

36. Than Yoe (Simple melody)