Laos PDR National Anthem

Laos, officially known as the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is bordered by Burma, the People's Republic of China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Western music was introduced into Laos during the French colonial period, and from the 1920s, one of the most prolific composers was Dr Thongdy Sounthonevichit, who wrote many popular songs. In 1941, he wrote the music to Phayng Xat Lao. (The "x" is pronounced as the English "ch", so that the second word is pronounced "chaht".) The song was adopted as the National Anthem in 1947 when the Kingdom of Laos was created. The following parts are available: Part 1 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 1a in C (8ve higher), E flat (minor 3rd lower for E flat cornet); Part 2 in B flat, E flat and C; Part 2a in C, (8ve higher) E flat (minor 3rd lower for alto clarinet); Part 3 in B flat, E flat, C and F; Part 3a in B flat (8ve lower for 3rd clarinets); Part 4 in B flat, E flat, C and F; Part 5 in B flat and C; Part 6 in B flat, C and E flat. There are also parts for timpani, percussion (2-3 players) and a piano reduction.