Classical
music is not exclusively a Western phenomenon. From Japan to Egypt and numerous points in between and beyond, a stunning variety of non-Western
classical
traditions have thrived for centuries. Broadly defined as music for an elite class that has been officially supported by a culture's ruling members,
music is as much -- if not more -- at home in Java as it is in Los Angeles. On this
Nimbus
release, four examples of
music from Thailand are presented. Performed by
the Prasit Thawon Ensemble
in 1993, these stunning tracks begin with
"Homrong Sornthong."
Because it's played by a traditional
Pi Phat
ensemble, the piece features many percussion instruments -- tuned gongs and xylophones along with drums and cymbals -- as well as the singular pi nai. The pi nai is an oboe with a nasally tone capable of cutting through the ensemble's metallic and wooden soundscape. The remaining three cuts on the CD include the stately melodies of
"Sumarn Dontri Klong,"
wafting vocals on
"Cherd Chin,"
and
bebop
-like blazing on the sword-fighting song
"Sarama."
All the tracks are stunning. Though some may equate non-Western music with "primitive"
folk
music, the refined and regal sounds found on
's
Thai Classical Music
will surely smash this stereotype. ~ John Vallier