Traditional Singing in Thai khon Performances

The purpose of this research is to study the history and form of traditional vocal performance for Thai khon. The research was conducted through an analysis of data from two locations: The Bunditpatanasilpa Institute, Ministry of Culture and the Office of Performing Arts, the Fine Arts Department, Ministry of Culture. Both institutions have taught khon vocal performance from the time of HM King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). The results of the research indicate that the style of singing in Thai khon performance at these two institutions have similarities with the style practised during the time of HM King Vajiravudh. On the other hand, each institution has maintained a distinctive individual character. The Office of Performing Arts places emphasis on the impact of emotion as a function of aesthetics in khon, while the Bunditpatanasilpa Institute initiated a singing style for male performances and chorus, emphasizing melody and placing importance on emotion where it is suited to the performance. Singing in Thai khon performance is an art and a science that expresses the competence and wisdom of the singer.

Keywords – Khon, performing arts, singing, Thai culture, traditional music.