Debussy and Siamese Whole-Tone Scale Music

Abstract

This article explores Claude Debussy, Siamese whole-tone scale music, and urban cultural connections between France and Siam in terms of history, theory, and its inspiring creativity to music. Playing an important role in Western music, whole-tone scale expresses spirit and philosophy of the East along with unique improvisation and rhythmic patterns. More importantly it has been influential to a number of Western masterpieces such as music by Debussy, Béla Bartók, and Klaus Pringsheim. Siamese 7-note whole-tone scale music had a close connection with France since the diplomat to Siam, Simon de la Loubère was recognized to be the first foreigner who notated Siamese song Say Samon in 1667. The publication had been published in English version by a London publisher 26 years later in 1693. By that time Siamese, Khmer (Cambodia), and Laos have shared the same element in music and repertoire. The cultural performances and music representing of France colonial in Paris Exposition Universelle 1889 might touch many artists and music composers’ hearts.