Most Populated Countries and Myanmar Culture

Study Notes

Most Populated Countries and Notable Nations

Indonesia: fourth largest country in the world; heavily influenced by Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European cultures.
Gamelan music popular in Indonesia, encompassing:
- Javanese Gamelan: traditional ensemble native to Java.
- Balinese Gamelan: distinctive style from Bali.
- Pesindhen: female solo singer performing with Gamelan.
- Gerang: male chorus that joins Gamelan in unison.

Myanmar (Burma)

Known for the Schwedagon Pagoda, a significant religious site.
Name change from Burma to Myanmar occurred in 1989 after military control was established in 1988.

Cambodia

Features Angkor Wat, a famous historical landmark.
Traditional music known as Pinpeat.
Alternate name is Kampuchea.

Pinpeat Instruments

Oneat: xylophone.
Skorthom: large drums.
Samphor: two-headed drums.
Chhing: finger cymbals.
Konguong: gongs.

Indonesia

Home to Borobudur, another renowned landmark.
Comprises about 17,500 islands with a population of approximately 238 million.
Notable music ensemble is Hsaing Waing, characterized by:
- Predominantly gongs and drums.
- Instruments vary between loud and soft sounds.
Key instruments include:
- The: double reed pipe.
- Chauk Lon Pat: set of 8 tuned drums.
- Maung Hsaing: large bronze gong in a rectangular frame.
- Pat Waing: circular arrangement of 21 drums.
- Kyi Waing: small circular bronze gongs.
- Si and Wa: bell and clapper instruments.

Malaysia

Features the Bang Pahang State Mosque as a notable landmark.
Divided into two regions: West and East Malaysia.

Thailand

Recognized for the Ayutthaya Ruins.
Known as Muang Thai, meaning "Land of the Free."

Primary Instrumental Ensembles of Thailand

FIPHAT: used in funerals and traditional Thai dramas, including khon (masked dance) and Nang yai (shadow puppetry).
KHRUEANG SAI: string-based ensemble for indoor performances, often accompanying puppet theater.
MAHORI: ensemble traditionally performed by women.

Additional Musical Ensembles

Agung and Kulintang: gong-based ensembles frequently used in funeral traditions.
Kentok: rhythmic xylophone performance in Malay functions.
Dikir Barat: competitive vocal performance often accompanied by percussion.
Silat Milayu: martial arts integrating dance and music, similar to T'ai Chi.

Laos

Officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Wat Pha That Luang is a prominent landmark.
Traditional music includes MOR LAM.

Vietnam

Features the Thien Mu landmark.
Officially recognized as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Nhac Viet Nam: ethnic music derived from the "Kihn" people.

Categories of Vietnamese Music

Imperial Court Music: associated with the royal court.
Folk Music: rooted in the traditions of local communities.
Religious and Ceremonial Music: used in spiritual and ceremonial contexts.

Singapore

Signified by the Merlion, a national symbol.
Independent republic with one main island and numerous adjacent smaller islands.
Population demographics comprise approximately 75% Chinese, with significant Malay and Indian minorities.

Description

Explore the significant influences and cultural aspects of Myanmar, one of the most populated countries in the world. Discover its musical ensembles like Gamelan, as well as landmarks such as the Schwedagon Pagoda. Dive into its rich heritage influenced by various regions including Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European cultures.