Philippine kulintang

May 2008 Recording

Tidtu Sinabaysabay

The word tidtu (meaning 'straight) refers to the rhythmic pattern of the piece, which can heard clearly on the babendir [3+3+2]. Tidtu compositions are particularly favoured among the youth for their fast tempo and lively nature. The word 'Sinabaysabay' refers to the accents created when both right and left hands play together.

Javanese gamelan gadhon

February 2007 Recording

Ketawang Subakastawa pelog nem

Featured on the CD: SOASis Sounding the World

Gamelan gadhon features the soft instruments of the large Central Javanese gamelan ensemble. Ketawang denotes the form of the piece. The laras, or tuning, used here is the 7-tone pelog scale, and the pathet, or mode, is nem. Subakastawa, meaning “royal gift”, is a popular piece played in many contexts such as wayang puppet theatre and for dance. The gerong, or male vocal part, in this example tells of a peaceful scene of meditation.

June 2006 Recordings

Thai classical music

June 2008 Recordings

Khamen Pai Reu

Khamen Lai Kwai - Khangkhaw Kin Kluay

June 2006 Recordings

Rabam Thape Ban Therng is a dance piece taken from the “I nao” part of the Lakorn Nai, a Thai theatrical drama which was performed in the royal palace by an all-female cast. The “I nao” story is based on classical literature derived from Indonesia. As a result, this piece is in the Javanese style, Jawa reu. The dancers take the roles of angels and gods and they dance in order to bless the King, Patarakala.