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Laos: Traditional Music of the South

Various Artists
Laos: Traditional Music of the South

The Laotian national instrument is the khène, typically an eighty centimeter (roughly a two and a half foot) long mouth organ constructed of seven or eight pairs of bamboo pipes that are connected with a small, hollowed-out hardwood reservoir into which air is blown. Its sound is similar to that of a violin, and it may be played as a solo instrument or to accompany singers and instrumental ensembles. The khène also occurs in a two meter (approximately six and a half foot) version, which few musicians have powerful enough lungs to master.

The khène can be heard on most of the tracks in this recording, which includes ritual music, wedding music, and songs such as "Lam Sithandone" sung by professional singers Thao and Nang Sikhone.

This collection of traditional Laotian music was compiled by Jacques Brunet, a musicologist who studied the music of Southeast Asia and Indonesia. He also produced the UNESCO album Indonesia - Music from West Java (UNESC08041) Liner notes cite the strong influence of Khmers on the culture and music of southern Laos.

Track Listing

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101
Pheng phi fa Phu Thao Tène, Thao Sene, Thao Seng, Thao Bunkeud 05:28
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102
Lam sithandone Thao Sikhone, Nang Sikhone, Thao Salitat 07:26
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103
Pheng kom Pinphat orchestra of Champassak 06:32
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104
Music for the ceremony of the buffalo sacrifice The musicians of the Muong village of Ta-Uy, Thao Nay Chong 06:29
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105
Sut sa men / Ma it thiet lo hat / Tit sut noi Thao Phet Sananikhone 08:24
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106
Pheng soysonthat The wedding orchestra of Champassak 06:10
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107
Lam of savannakhet Tha Bunthong, Thao Salilath 08:33
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108
Lot fay tay lang (The train goes down the track) Thao Salilath 03:08