FEATURE: Khaen music: forever embedded in Lao people’s hearts

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times) - Laos is a laidback country home for many people and the lifestyle is deeply traditional. Even though a great deal of development has taken place in recent years, Lao customs continue to be fully embraced and maintained. 

Many facets of this traditional way of life imbue the Lao people with their national identity, one of which is the music of the khaen. This is enshrined in an old saying which holds that “Whoever lives in a stilted house, eats sticky rice and plays the khaen is certain to be Lao”.

The khaen and its inimitable sound are embedded in Lao people’s hearts. It’s not world famous music but is quintessentially Lao and creates a thrill of recognition and enjoyment whenever it strikes the ear.

Such is the pervasive influence of the khaen that the bamboo pipe instrument and its music were formally recognised in December 2017 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

“Khaen music is popular in all regions of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic due to its harmonic richness,” UNESCO wrote on its website.

Following the announcement, the khaen was widely celebrated in Vientiane and a parade of khaen players took place through the city.

A Thai teacher of the khaen, Mr Sosok Xonoutam, who was previously a Lao citizen, was one of those taking part. He said he was delighted to be a part of this prestigious event and he and other players spent several weeks rehearsing.

“The khaen has been a part of Lao life and the northeast (Issaan) region of Thailand, which was previously Lao territory, for centuries. So, I am very happy that the khaen and its music have been recognised as a significant form of humanity’s cultural heritage by UNESCO,” he said. 

The khaen resembles panpipes but is made with bamboo tubes of varying lengths, each with a metal reed.

The player blows into the instrument through an air chamber and the sound produced depends on the size of the tube. The music produced is popular everywhere in Laos due to its harmonic richness.

Most traditional festivals feature khaen music and the musicians are always popular because they lead people in singing and dancing.

As an integral part of Lao life it promotes family and social cohesion.

“The khaen has been a valued part of Lao life since ancient times. It has imbued the Lao people throughout the country with a sense of community and identity, former Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara remarked last month at a meeting held at the National Culture Hall.

He said the ministry had worked to preserve and revive the music of the khaen since it was accorded international recognition by UNESCO.

The khaen is associated with folk songs in many parts of the country. These include Khubxamneua, a song from Xamneua district in Huaphan province, the Khub Phuan folk song from Xieng Khuang province, Khub Ngum from Vientiane province, Lam Sa La Van from Saravan province, and Lam Siphan Don from Champassak province.

Prof. Dr Bosengkham said that as a result of UNESCO’s recognition, people would gain a deeper appreciation of the significance and origins of the khaen. Officials, musicians and members of the public are now sharing ideas on ways to preserve, restore and promote the music of the khaen internationally and to include it in more public performances.

The music of the khaen is an important part of Lao unity as it featured so strongly in the past, not only at festivals and special events, but as part of everyday life. Young men played the khaen to impress women and its music brought people together.

The music made people happy and want to sing and dance but sometimes its plaintive sound evoked sad scenes and thoughts.

This writer’s father and grandfather were accomplished khaen players in Xieng Khuang province.

Older people often say the sound of the khaen recalls days past and evokes almost-forgotten memories. It reminds them of their childhood and the strong bonds they had with their friends and family.

These days, not many people can play the khaen well, especially young people, who are more interested in new, fast-paced modern music. But a concerted effort by musicians and those who love the Lao way of life will surely perpetuate this evocative musical form that resonates so strongly among all Lao people. 

Source(s)

  • Vientiane Times

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