Spring comes to the five-tone orchestra of the Khmer people in Bay Nui

Nowadays, the five-tone orchestra of the Khmer people in the Bay Nui region ( An Giang ) has gone beyond the sacred space of the temple, present in all events and happy days of the community.

The five-tone orchestra of the Khmer people in the South in general, and Bay Nui in particular, is also called Pinn Peat. The five-tone is a name based on the principle of the sound source due to the materials that make up the musical instruments, such as: iron, bronze, wood, wind and leather.

The pentatonic orchestra always maintains the correct sound composition, so there can be up to 7-9 instruments performing at the same time, but still ensuring the emission of 5 main sound sources. On the other hand, there is a slight difference in the way of playing compared to the musical instruments of many other ethnic groups, most of the musical instruments in the pentatonic orchestra of the Khmer people, especially in the Bay Nui region, are used by tapping with sticks.

Traditionally, the pentatonic orchestra was only used for “sacred” activities, such as major ceremonies in temples, religious venues for the Theravada Buddhist community.

Over time, the old rules gradually loosened and the Khmer Bay Nui's five-tone orchestra went beyond the sacred space of the pagoda, appearing in events and happy days of the community.

According to many music researchers, this "revolution" not only brought the pentatonic orchestra closer to the public for everyone to enjoy and learn, but through the performance style, the uniqueness of the sound... also made many people of ethnic groups such as Kinh, Hoa, Cham... love and contribute to honoring it.

This spread has created new vitality, full of spring colors for the traditional music orchestra of the Khmer people in the Bay Nui region in the new rhythm of life.

The Khmer Bay Nui's pentatonic orchestra at An Giang Museum. Photo: Luc Tung

Performance of the Khmer Bay Nui's pentatonic orchestra. Photo: Luc Tung

The big gong (Pet-kuong-thon) is a percussion instrument made of bronze placed on a semicircular stand. Photo: Luc Tung

Double drum, the drumhead is made from buffalo skin. Photo: Luc Tung

The Ro-niet-thung is made from bamboo sticks. When used, the musician uses a wooden stick to strike them to create sound. Photo: Luc Tung

The Ro-niet-det is made from 26 iron bars joined together. Photo: Luc Tung

Ta Khe lute. Photo: Luc Tung

From being a “sacred” musical instrument, played only on major holidays at pagodas, the Khmer Bay Nui’s pentatonic orchestra has now spread to the community. Photo: Luc Tung

And provide performances at local events. Photo: Luc Tung

Source link: https://dantoctongiao.laodong.vn/van-hoa-kien-truc/xuan-ve-tren-dan-nhac-ngu-am-cua-dong-bao-khmer-bay-nui-1303660.html