Music of Laos

The music of Laos includes the music of the Lao people, a Tai ethnic group, and other ethnic groups living in Laos. This music is rich and has many different styles. It is similar in some ways to the music of nearby countries like Thailand and Cambodia. The instruments and ways of playing music in Laos often share names and styles with these countries.

Lao music can be grouped into a few main types. There is folk music, which people play in everyday life using different ensembles and instruments. There is also classical music, which has its own special groups of musicians and ways of playing. In addition, there are many traditions of singing that are important parts of the music. All these kinds of music together make up the beautiful sounds of Laos.

Classical music

The term ເພງລາວເດີມ "peng Lao deum" means traditional Lao songs and describes the Royal Court music of Laos. Historical records show that Laos had its own classical music, mostly influenced by ancient Khmer traditions and the cultures of mountainous ethnic groups. King Fa Ngum grew up in Angkor Wat, so Khmer traditions were very important to the court music, which changed over time as the Lao kingdom grew.

Some performers in Tennessee, USA tried to bring back court music for people living far away from Laos, but they could not find enough members to continue. The classical ensemble and its instruments are used in special traditions, mainly for "lam" music. There is also a tradition called "li-ke" (or "lam poem"), which started in northern Siam around 1940. This tradition includes acting and storytelling performed in "lam" singing styles, often using a Khene mouth organ.

Mor lam

Main article: Mor lam

Lao morlam, often just called "lam," is a traditional style of music that is seen as more pure and classic than similar styles in nearby countries. It uses a special instrument called the khaen, a bamboo and reed mouth organ, and features pairs of singers who take turns telling stories and playful challenges through their songs.

These performances usually have two singers—one male and one female—along with a khaen player. Other instruments like fiddles, flutes, and bells may also join in to create the music.

Regional music

Main article: Lao music

The music of Laos is shaped by different areas, mainly Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the center, and Champassak in the south. Each place has its own style. In Luang Prabang, old court music once was very grand but is now mostly seen in museums. Vientiane has a school called "Natasin" that teaches music and helps with performances for special events. Champassak in the south mixes influences from Khmer, Thai, and local Lao traditions.

Popular music

Main article: Lao pop

In the 1960s, lam nu and lam ploen helped create lam luang. This is a type of song and dance that sometimes tells a story through its lyrics.

Instruments

A musical instrument made from bamboo is called a khene, which is like a mouth organ. It is said that a woman invented this instrument while trying to copy the sounds of a garawek bird. She showed it to her king, who liked it and asked for more. She changed the instrument a little, and the king said, "Tia nee khaen dee," meaning "this time it was better."