Percussion instrument | |
---|---|
Other names | Burmese xylophone |
Classification | Percussion instrument |
Developed | Before 1479 |
Related instruments | |
Ranat ek, Roneat ek | |
More articles or information | |
Music of Myanmar |
The pattala (Burmese: ပတ္တလား patta.la:, Burmese pronunciation: [pattəlá]; Mon: ဗာတ် ကလာ) is a Burmese xylophone, consisting of 24 bamboo slats called ywet (ရွက်) or asan (အဆံ) suspended over a boat-shaped resonating chamber.[1][2] It is played with two padded mallets.[1][2] The pattala is tuned similar to the diatonic scale.[1]
In modern days, classical Burmese chamber music is accompanied by either the pattala or the saung (the Burmese harp), both of which are capable of performing a harmonic countermelody.[3] The pattala is also a key instrument in the Burmese ensemble orchestra, the hsaing waing.[4] The pattala is also prominently featured in Burmese drama, anyeint.[5]