Khong wong lek

Khong wong lek
Classification Percussion (idiophone)
Related instruments
Khong wong yai
Musician playing kong wong lek, 19th century.

The khong wong lek (Thai: ฆ้องวงเล็ก, pronounced [kʰɔ́ːŋ woŋ lék]) is a gong circle used in Thai classical music. It has 18 tuned bossed gongs, and is smaller and higher in pitch than the khong wong yai. Both instruments are played in the same manner, the khong wong lek plays a faster and more ornate variation on the principal melody, with less use of two-note chords. Each gong is tuned with beeswax under it.

The khawng wong lek was created during the reign of King Rama III (1824–1854) by skilled musicians.[1]

It is equivalent to the Cambodian Kong toch.[2]

  1. ^ "Khryang Tii : Hit Instruments made of metal". www.seasite.niu.edu. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  2. ^ Peter Fletcher (2001). World Musics in Context. Oxford University Press. p. 300. ISBN 978-0-19-816636-8.