Wong khrueang sai (Thai:วงเครื่องสาย,pronounced[woŋkʰrɯ̂əŋsǎːj], literally "string ensemble") is a musical ensemble inThai classical music which consists primarily ofstring instruments. A typicalkhrueang sai ensemble features two two-stringfiddles, one high and one low (saw duang andsaw u), a three-stringzither calledjakhe, a verticalductflute calledkhlui, handdrums, and variouscymbals. Depending on the size of the ensemble, instruments may be doubled or left out. A three-string spike fiddle calledsaw sam sai may be added as well. Thekhim (hammered dulcimer) has become popular and is also used in this ensemble. In the 20th century, Western instruments such as theviolin or organ have also occasionally been integrated intokhrueang sai ensembles.
Thekhrueang sai is one of the quietest and most intimate ensembles in Thai classical music. It is used to accompany singing,dances, andholidays. It also used in impromptu occasions requiring music.
The following are some of the ensemble types, depending on the occasion:
Here is the definition of thekhrueang sai according to the NIU South East Asia Studies department:
Wong Khryang Sai (Khryang Sai = String ensemble): The String ensemble consists of saw-duang, saw-u, Jakhae, Khlui, and the set of percussion instruments: Ching, Chab, Thone-Ram Mana and Mong. This ensemble is further divided into four kinds in accordance with its size and different instruments as shown above.
Sound clips are available at the website above for all Thai ensembles.
Wong khrueang sai diao (Thai:วงเครื่องสายเดี่ยว) is an ensemble consisting of one each of the following instruments:
This kind of ensemble is used when there is limit of space. It is also calledwong khrueang sai wong lek (Thai:วงเครื่องสายวงเล็ก) orwong khrueang sai khurang diao (วงเครื่องสายเครื่องเดี่ยว).
Wong khrueang sai khu (Thai:วงเครื่องสายคู่) is an ensemble consisting of instruments as described in thekhrueang sai diao ensemble, but double in number (exceptching,thon, andrammana). It is also calledwong khrueang sai wong yai (วงเครื่องสายวงใหญ่).
Wong khrueang sai prasom (Thai:วงเครื่องสายประสม หรือ วงเครื่องสายผสม) is an ensemble arranged by mixingkhrueang sai diao orkhrueang sai khu with other instruments, such as organ, ranad ek, khim and also mixed with thepiphat ensemble to create new ensemble calledkhrueang sai prasom piphat (เครื่องสายประสมปี่พาทย์).
Wong khrueang sai pi chawa (Thai:วงเครื่องสายปี่ชวา) is an ensemble arranged by addingpi chawa (ปี่ชวา),glong khaek (กลองแขก), andkrap (กรับ) to thewong khrueang sai diao. It is usually played in funeral ceremonies.