Music, Books, films, poetry, literature

[jariya76]

Seems to me there ought to be a category for people looking to find or recommend Thai language music, films, books, etc... for learning and pleasure.

For now a post will do. For example, I am looking for a Thai music playlist which includes music from last century to this, from all regions, of all genre. At our ESL program office we play music from a different country each day in our waiting room. The music one Thai student gave me was all Thai pop from 2005 on. Nothing against it, but I need more variety. I'm partial to oldies, but open to anything. And too lazy to make my own.

[David and Bui]

I recommend two genres of Thai music: Classical Thai (เพลงไทยเดิม) and first generation foreign-inspired Thai music (เพลงไทยสากล), primarily that of Suntaraphorn (สุนทราภรณ์).

Let me show you some examples. Perhaps the most famous of the classical variety is "เขมรไทรโยค" and there are two versions. The first is in original classical style sung accompanied by original instruments:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1MxlazvN_Y

The second is the same song, but adapted for modern tastes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpl_ZwBg_TA

I encourage you to listen to these songs all the way through. The lyrics describe a trip through nature; the melody is haunting.

A second song from this genre is "ลาวดวงเดือน". Listen to this song at

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1fEEVhNg64

As for the second genre, the songs of Suntaraporn, there are hundreds, as well as songs by other composers in the style of Suntaraporn. You can hear that some are sung in the style of the 1940's while other versions are sung in a more modern voice Here are some examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RffkzF3Vuvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5koJ_IDS4s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq8XIMF ... GoblOh3Vzn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OkDc1KeeSg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duwK4UbzxWM (a Thai tango)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKZYyoVMvWg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IocyuI_0vwE

Are these the types of songs you are looking for?

[David and Bui]

Thank you for your question and the discussion. I believe that the section on "Culture and Current Events" on this forum covers "music".

[David and Bui]

Jariya,

I have created a new sub-forum as you have suggested, titled, "Music, Books, films, poetry, literature". I will move your thread to that sub-forum.

Thank you for your suggestion.

[jariya76]

Yes David, exactly what I was looking for. The younger Thai students in our program are amused that I like this music.

I've also been watching the Thai PBS series โหมโรง (The Overture) on You Tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=af8bhGVZ5YI
I know this story was made into a movie some years ago. This series is newer and has about fifteen 45-minute episodes. If you like ปี่พาทย์ it's worth watching in either form.

[David and Bui]

I loved the movie! BTW, let's ask our community where in Bangkok classical CDs or DVDs can be purchased. My recollection is that the Suksaphan store at the Democracy Monument has a music section which carries Thai classical and foreign-influenced music. the Grammy publisher has put out several series of these songs in readable format.

Let's see if anyone else knows of sources where these songs can be bought. Are you in the Bangkok area?

[jariya76]

I'm not in Thailand, but I'm planning my first trip back in 40 years. I'll be in Bangkok one week and in Phetburi for three. Preparing myself for the changes.

[jariya76]

Does anyone know a good theater of movie version of สังข์ทอง?