The Timbre of Thai Classical Singing

Abstract

This article explores the timbre of Thai classical singing with an emphasis on uan, a wordless vocalization based upon specific vowels and consonants, using spectrographic images. Spectrographs are computer images that visualize the fundamental, overtones, and noise-like sounds of a performance. Uan can be reduced to five basic sounds and are analyzed individually and then placed within a musical context. Performances from different generations and musical lineages are contrasted and compared in relation to timbre. I argue it is the relative timbral consistency of the five basic uan sounds, connecting musical generations and lineages, combined with the unique characteristics of each performance that defines the distinct sound of Thai classical singing.