hsaing waing

Myanmar music ensemble

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July 17, 2026

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The hsaing-waing is a traditional Burmese musical ensemble primarily composed of drums and gongs. This ensemble is closely related to other Southeast Asian musical groups, such as the gamelan and kulintang.1

The hsaing-waing is a key component of Myanmar's traditional orchestra, used for state ceremonies, theatre, and historically for royalty. It features a circular arrangement of approximately 21 tuned drums (saing-waing) and a similar circle of tuned gongs (kyi waing), often accompanied by an oboe (hne) or flute (pulwe). Percussion instruments like double-headed drums, cymbals, and clappers also contribute to the ensemble's sound, playing in various rhythmic patterns.2

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Myanmar
Cultural life
…accompanied by music of the hsaing waing, a percussive instrumental ensemble with close relatives in neighboring countries of mainland Southeast Asia. The leading instruments in the hsaing waing include a circle of 21 tuned drums called pat waing, an oboelike hne, a circle of small, horizontally suspended tuned gongs known…
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…accompanied by music of the hsaing waing, a percussive instrumental ensemble with close relatives in neighboring countries of mainland Southeast Asia. The leading instruments in the hsaing waing include a circle of 21 tuned drums called pat waing, an oboelike hne, a circle of small, horizontally suspended tuned gongs known…
Read More