Musical Instruments

Burmese music has a wide variety of musical instruments, including the brasses (which is like a triangle), Hne (a kind of oboe), and bamboo was, as well as the well-known saung, a boat-shaped harp. The Burmese harp is of special significance. It dates back to the 9th century, though it has changed quite a bit since then, expanding, for example, from three strings to sixteen. Plus, Burmese musical instruments are traditionally classified into five classes, called {pyissin turiya } translated into Burmese (ပဉ္စင်တူရိယာ)

Kyei - brass instrument
Thayei - leather-covered - drums
Kyo - string instruments
Lei - wind instruments
Let Khok - percussion instruments

We will explain in more detail about one instrument which represents each one.

1. Maung (brass gong)

Maung is a Burmese traditional instrument that represents (Kyei). A gong is an East and Southeast Asian musical percussion instrument that takes the form of a flat, circular metal disc that is hit with a mallet. We can see those brass gongs in the majority of pagodas in Myanmar. Plus, Burmese people believe that touching a gong can bring you happiness, good luck, and strength.

2. Ozi (drum with a long body)

Ozi is a Burmese traditional instrument that represents (Thayei). Ozi is one of the most commonly encountered forms of Burmese music, for it accompanies the ceremony for Buddhist novitiates. The loud Burmese music played outdoors uses almost exclusively percussion instruments for the rhythmic and melodic structure. This drum is found in a variety of sizes. It is usually suspended either diagonally across the player’s chest or hanging to the left side

3. Saung (Burmese arched harp)

Saung is also one of the most popular Burmese traditional instruments which represent (Kyo). A "harp" is called Saung in Myanmar. Myanmar harp is the earliest stringed musical instrument. Myanmar harp produces a clear and pleasant sound, and thus, it is usually played at auspicious ceremonies. There were ‘7’ to ‘13’ sound strings in the harp. The pot of the harp is usually made out of padauk wood and people use it as the interior home decoration as well. Plus, The Saung is regarded as a national musical instrument of Burma. Burmese people are keeping the ancient harp tradition alive till nowadays.

Hne (or) Oboe is one of our traditional wind instruments in Myanmar which represents (Lei). The Oboe which is known as Hne in Myanmar is a double-reed woodwind instrument having a high pitch. It has a loud tone and is used as an ensemble together with a xylophone. We use this instrument to play Tha Pyay and Yadu music. Also essential for the Myanmar Orchestra at Myanmar opera. So. Myanmar oboe is a vital wind instrument among Myanmar musical instruments.

4. Hne (Oboe)

5. Wa lekhok (Clapping Bamboo)

Clapping Bamboo is a traditional Burmese instrument that represents (Let Khok). It is a long thin instrument that is made of bamboo. They are essentially needed in Myanmar donation ceremonies, Buddhist festivals, and in Burmese traditional orchestras. Also, Bamboo clappers are used by the majority of people from Myanmar in their traditional music.

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