Thai Choral Music in Intercultural Choral Literature: A Guide to Thai Choral Music

Amid the evolving landscape of intercultural choral literature, Thai choral music emerges as a compelling yet underexplored genre, distinguished by its integration of unique linguistic and Thai musical elements. Despite the diverse choral repertoire in global music scene, the lack of resources on Thai diction and practical approach to Thai choral works for teaching and performing Thai choral music has resulted in its absence from choral global repertoires. To address this gap, this research examines a comprehensive approach to Thai diction, providing a foundation for understanding the intricacies of Thai pronunciation which is applicable to a wide range of vocal and choral works. It also explores an overview of the characteristics of Thai classical singing and the unique practice of uean (wordless melismatic singing), which influences Thai choral works. Additionally, it examines the adaptation of this singing tradition blending with bel canto, creating a hybrid vocal approach for modern choral contexts. The study offers an analysis of three representative Thai choral works, each exemplifying different Thai musical styles, outlining performance practices and suggested strategies for conductors that potentially lead to more culturally nuanced and inclusive performances. This study seeks to facilitate the incorporation of Thai choral music into the global repertoire by providing a comprehensive handbook of Thai choral music beneficial for conductors, singers, educators, and publishers, enriching the diversity of multicultural choral practices.