Tai Mek (Climbing Cloud) for solo clarinet
By Yos Vaneesorn
Muay Thai, or Thai boxing, is a long-standing cultural heritage of Thailand. It plays an important role in the cultural context beyond self-defense. But it also includes beliefs in rituals through dance moves before the fight with music accompanying the dance. Before the battle, boxers will perform the “Wai Khru Ram Muay” dance as a ritual act of showing respect to mentors and parents, as well as asking for blessings from the sacred powers according to their beliefs to protect themselves and be safe from the fight. It is expressed in various dance moves that have been transmitted from Muay Thai masters, including the chanting of incantations according to each individual's beliefs.
Yos Vaneesorn’s “Tai Mek (Climbing Cloud)" for solo clarinet encapsulates the depth and grace of Muay Thai's 'Tai Mek' dance. Through the expansive and intricate melodies of the clarinet, listeners are invited to feel a boxer's heartfelt gratitude towards their coach. The piece seamlessly integrates traditional Thai rhythms, reminiscent of instruments such as the Pi Java (Thai oboe) and Ching. This unaccompanied clarinet solo not only showcases the instrument's versatility but also conveys the profound spiritual and cultural essence of Muay Thai, marrying dance and music into a poignant story.
Tai Mek (Climbing Cloud) dance is the third dance from Wai Khru Ram Muay patterns from The Sao boxing school, one of a style of Muay Thai from the northern region. There was no clear evidence of when Muay Tha Sao was invented or who was the first Muay Tha Sao master. However, from the evidence that is seen, it is known that master Mek was Muay Tha Sao's famous master.