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If you have seen a Muay Thai match, either on television or at a boxing ring, you must have heard the accompanying energetic yet exquisite music. You may be wondering what you are hearing. Well, in fact, the clear and penetrating melodies of this music is in fact is not confined only within a boxing ring. Let\u2019s dive into the fascinating music of \u201cWong Pi Klong<\/em>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n What is \u201cWong Pi Klong<\/em>\u201d?<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Wong <\/em>p<\/em>i klong<\/em> [\u0e27\u0e07\u0e1b\u0e35\u0e48\u0e01\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e07] literally translates to \u201coboe and drum band\u201d. \u201cWong\u201d <\/em>[\u0e27\u0e07] means a band while \u201cpi\u201d<\/em> [\u0e1b\u0e35\u0e48] refers to reed instruments (similar to oboe), and \u201cklong\u201d<\/em> [\u0e01\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e07] means a drum. The composition of the band is straightforward, comprising mainly of the lead pi<\/em> for the tune and klongs<\/em> for beats. The unique sound of the pi<\/em> is characterized by its flexibility. It can be powerful, sorrowful, or haunting as musicians wish. The band can be formed in many different ways with as many instruments as desired as long as the main instruments \u2013 pi<\/em> and klong <\/em>\u2013 remain the stars of the show, and thus the performance can serve a variety of occasions, such as Muay Thai fight, funeral, state function, or ordination ceremony<\/a>. The music even serves as a status symbol. There are also times when the music itself takes center stage for pure entertainment!<\/span><\/p>\n (Photo Credit:\u00a0Gerrit Phil Baumann<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n Types of Wong Pi Klong<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The instruments in the band consist of a pi chawa<\/em> [Javanese oboe \u2013 \u0e1b\u0e35\u0e48\u0e0a\u0e27\u0e32] and one or two pairs of drums or cymbals. Klong khaek<\/em> [\u0e01\u0e25\u0e2d\u0e07\u0e41\u0e02\u0e01] means an Indo-Malay drum.<\/span><\/p>\n In the Ayutthaya period (1351-1767), wong pi chawa klong khaek<\/em> was a sacred music that Thais modeled from the Javanese-Malay royal court, which had been originally influenced by Indian musical tradition. In those days, this music was used in the royal processions and strictly reserved for the elite due to its loud and clear tone (signifying authority). Laymen later adopted this music and it became a part of common life.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, we can hear the music of wong pi chawa klong khaek<\/em> in occasions such as Muay Thai<\/a> fights and during the Royal Barge Procession. Each melody and verse carries a specific meaning that must be played precisely at a corresponding moment, such as at a different stage of Muay Thai fights, or a when the royal barge is about to dock.<\/span><\/p>\n Wong pi chawa klong khaek <\/em>can also be combined with Thai string ensemble, or wong khrueng sai<\/em><\/a>, to form the wong khrueng sai pi chawa<\/em>. A form of string-woodwind combined ensemble, wong khrueng sai pi chawa <\/em>took inspiration from Chinese style ensembles, which feature reed and string instruments.<\/span><\/p>\n Pi Chawa<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n (Photo Credit: TKpark)<\/span><\/p>\n Klong Khaek<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/thailandfoundation.or.th\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Muay_Thai_Fight_Us_Vs_Burma_80668065-1-1024x683.jpeg\")
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