Piphat

A piphat (Thai: ปี่พาทย์, pronounced [pìːpʰâːt]) is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which features wind and percussion instruments. It is considered the primary form of ensemble for the interpretation of the most sacred and "high-class" compositions of the Thai classical repertoire, including the Buddhist invocation entitled sathukan (Thai: สาธุการ) as well as the suites called phleng rueang. It is also used to accompany traditional Thai theatrical and dance forms including khon (Thai: โขน) (masked dance-drama), lakhon (classical dance), and shadow puppet theater.

Hard-mallet vs. soft-mallet

The most common form of piphat is called piphat mai khaeng (ปี่พาทย์ไม้แข็ง). This ensemble uses an oboe called pi (after which the piphat ensemble is named), in combination with xylophones, gong circles, and other percussion instruments, with the xylophones and gong circles using hard mallets, creating a very bright, loud sound. A quieter variety of pipat ensemble, called piphat mai nuam (ปี่พาทย์ไม้นวม), uses a vertical flute called khlui phiang o in place of the pi, and soft mallets are used in place of hard mallets. Because the piphat mai nuam produces a relatively soft, mellow sound, the large glawng thad drums are not used. Also, the ensemble may include saw u, to enhance its soft sound.