Khruang sai

"Wong khruang sai" (Thai: วงเครื่องสาย; literally "string ensemble") is a musical ensemble in Thai classical music which consists primarily of string instruments. A typical "khruang sai" ensemble features two two-string fiddles, one high and one low ("saw duang" and "saw ou"), 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. In the 20th century, Western instruments such as the violin or organ have also occasionally been integrated into "khruang sai" ensembles.

Playing context

The "khruang sai" is one of the quietest and most intimate ensembles in Thai classical music. It is used to accompany singing, dances, and holidays. It also used in impromptu occasions requiring music.

Varieties

The following are some of the ensemble types, depending on the occasion:

*Khruang Sai Wong Lek
*Khruang Sai Khryang Khu
*Khruang Sai Pi Chawa
*Khruang Sai Prasom [http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Thai/music/classical/thaiensemble/Khryang_Sai_Ensemble.htm]

Here is the definition of the "khruang sai" according to the NIU South East Asia Studies department:

Sound clips are available at the website above for all Thai ensembles.

Types of "wong khruang sai"

Khruang sai diao

"Wong khruang sai diao" ( _th. วงเครื่องสายเดี่ยว) is an ensemble consisting of one each of the following instruments:

#"ching" - timekeeper of ensemble
#"saw duang"
#"saw u"
#"khlui"
#"thone" and "ramana" - secondary timekeeper
#"jakhe"

This kind of ensemble is used when there is limit of space. It is also called "wong khruang sai wong lek" ( _th. วงเครื่องสายวงเล็ก) or "wong khruang sai khurang diao" (วงเครื่องสายเครื่องเดี่ยว).

Khruang sai khu

"Wong khruang sai khu" ( _th. วงเครื่องสายคู่) is an ensemble consisting of instruments as described in the "khruang sai diao" ensemble, but double in number (except "ching", "thon", and "ramana"). It is also called "wong khruang sai wong yai" (วงเครื่องสายวงใหญ่).

Khruang sai prasom

"Wong khruang sai prasom" ( _th. วงเครื่องสายประสม หรือ วงเครื่องสายผสม) is an ensemble arranged by mixing "khruang sai diao" or "khruang sai khu" with other instruments, such as organ, ranad ek, khim and also mixed with the "piphat" ensemble to create new ensemble called "khruang sai prasom piphat" (เครื่องสายประสมปี่พาทย์).

Khruang sai pi chawa

"Wong khruang sai pi chawa" ( _th. วงเครื่องสายปี่ชวา) is an ensemble arranged by adding "pi chawa" (ปี่ชวา), "glawng khaek" (กลองแขก), and "grab" (กรับ) to the "wong khruang sai diao". It is usually played in funeral ceremonies.

ee also

*Piphat
*Mahori
*Music of Thailand

References

* [http://www.siammelody.com/thaimusic/ps01.htm Information about wong khruang sai (Thai)]
* [http://www.dontrithai.com/band.htm How to arrange Thai emsemble (Thai)]