Royal Court Music of Thailand

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 26, 1994)
• Original Release Date: July 25, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DKN
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,279 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > World Music > Far East & Asia > Thailand
  • #59 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Far East & Asia

Editorial Reviews

Reticent yet dynamic, sophisticated and delicate, this recording contains four cherished and exquisite compositions performed with an enchanting mix of xylophones, gongs, cymbals, fiddles, guitars, and breathtaking vocals. Instrumental and vocal music of the Thai classical repertoire draws listeners into a realm of ornate tonal variations and textured rhythms. Recorded in 1994 in Bangkok, this studio recording features musicians of the Bangkok College of Dramatic Arts Fine Arts Department, performing the traditional and highly refined music of the Thai royal court. "Splendid example of thoroughly contemporary exotica." –Boston Rock

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A tough call for some great music, January 14, 2000

By 

Pharoah S. Wail (Inner Space) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Royal Court Music of Thailand (Audio CD)

Musically I am a big fan of this cd, but my main complaint would have to be that when listened to in headphones the instruments are not spaced well so overall, the cd comes off as sounding a bit "small".

I do love the music though. The female who sings on a couple of the tracks is the main focus of my fascination with this cd. This is the only Thai cd I own (so far! ), so I'm not an expert, but the female vocalist has what I could only describe as a "backwards" style of singing. I don't mean "backwards" as a cultural slur. I mean that sometimes her voice sounds like she is singing in reverse, and it is mesmerizing.

Actually I am torn. My first instinct was four stars, but I have decided on three, but I give it three stars with the disclaimer that I am a big fan of this cd and me and my music collection are better for owning it. So far I have only reviewed one cd that I gave two stars to, but this cd is head-and-shoulders more worth the money than that one is.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyably unique, March 26, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Royal Court Music of Thailand (Audio CD)

This music, the product of centuries of royal tradition, is some of the most bizarre I've ever heard. Personally I actually enjoyed it -- it's not everyday you hear something as interesting as this. I can't comment on the vocals, but the climactic instrumental finales of each song were breathtakingly otherworldly. They possess a detached, alien beauty that I really can't describe. Sophisticated, refined, and interesting. Just amazing stuff.

However, xylophone-haters beware. Asian-style xylophones seem to be a staple of this kind of music.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Thai music, March 8, 2007

By 

Andrea Turner (Menlo Park, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Royal Court Music of Thailand (Audio CD)

I have never owned a cd with Thai music so this is a new experience for me. I like the recordings (the sound quality is very good) and the music is very interesting. I would recommend it.The only downside is that there are really only 3 songs, though they each are fairly lengthy.