Music

Northeastern Thai music and dance are related closely to the lifestyle and occupation of the people. The music is typical of everything Northeastern; exciting, fast and rousing. Distinctive northeastern musical instruments include the 'ponglang', 'kaen' and 'hai song'.

The 'ponglang' is a hardwood percussion instrument, similar to a modern xylophone. It is one of the main instruments in the 'pong lang' orchestra, along with the 'kaen', a reed wind instrument, drums and stringed instruments.

Another percussion instrument, the 'hai song' is an earthen jar with elastic stretched over the opening. Plucking the elastic creates the instrument's deep, resonating sound. The player, usually female, is colorfully and beautifully garbed, and also performs graceful dance movements.

Another musical group called 'kan truem' is native to the High Khmer in areas such as Buriram, Surin and Si Saket. The principal instrument is the 'kan truem' drum, two of which are used for different tones. The rhythm is quite lively.

'Moh lam-moh kaen' duos are often heard in areas where people from Isaan live, and not necessarily in the Northeast. 'Moh lam' refers to the singers, who developed their art from funeral recitals in times past. 'Moh kaen' are players of the reed instrument, the 'kaen'. A duet of one 'moh lam' and one 'moh kaen' can attract crowds of appreciative listeners the whole night through.

Another well-known northeastern song is 'pleng Khorat' sung specifically in Nakhon Ratchasima province. It involves a repartee of exchanges between male and female performers, without any accompanying instruments.

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