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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
Phu Thao Tène, Thao Seng, Thao Bunkeud
05:28
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102
Thao Sikhone, Nang Sikhone, Thao Salitat
07:26
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103
Pinphat Orchestra of Champassak, dir. by Thao Bunmanh
06:32
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104
Thao Nay Chong and gong orchestra, Muong village of Ta-Uy
06:29
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105
Thao Phet Sananikhone
08:24
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106
The Wedding Orchestra of Champassak, dir. by Phu Thao Tène
06:10
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107
Tha Bunthong, Thao Salilath
08:33
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108
Thao Salilath
03:08