| Khene is part of Lao society; it represents its
musical, artistic and spiritual attractions. As the Lao national proverb says "A person living under a
stilted house, eat sticky rice, listen to any music related to "Lam or Morlam" and play the "Khene" is likely to be Lao or associated with Lao people". Khene is made from a special kind of bamboo. It looks slightly Andrean in appearance with its sets of bamboo and reed pipes of various lengths, which are strapped together, and then blow into by the player. It can be played solo as in traditional Lao music or in combination with other musical instruments to accompany modern songs. The Khene can also be performed in a full "Khene Orchestra". But in the rural area, it is very popular; however, it is commonly used to accompany folk singers or drama actors. The sound of Khene today, is not only heard in Laos or in Isan Thailand as its traditional base, but also around the globe. |