2003

Embedded in the music are stories of people throughout the ages. The mesmerizing rhythm and sound incite excitement, joy, or even melancholy. Contemporary social contexts and the creativity of the artists all play a vital role in shaping the landscape of traditional Thai music, western music, and Western-style Thai music. As contact with Western countries increased, so was the cultural influence on arts and music. Western-style Thai music had its root in melodies of the military march during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). Western musicals also greatly impacted Thai lyrical drama, with clear evidence being the development of songs in films and dramas during the reign of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII).

The exhibition explored H.M. King Prajadhipok’s musical preference, the evolution of Thai music and the influence of western music on Thai society, divided into the following zones: Development of Western-style Thai music, Lyrics Dramas, and Musical soundtrack in Films.