Presentation of the Solo Performance Techniques of the Saw Duang and Saw U of the song “Dok Mai Haeng Khwam Rak”

Abstract

This article aims to present solo performance techniques for the Saw Duang and Saw U in the composition "Dok Mai Haeng Khwam Rak" ("The Flower of Love"), which is part of a research study titled The Composition of the Flower of Love song. This study employs qualitative research methodology, including document analysis and interviews with experts in Thai music. The findings from these methods were then applied to the creative development of the Thai musical composition of Dok Mai Haeng Khwam Rak song.

The study revealed that the researchers selected the piece "Dok Mai Sai, Sam Chan" (three-level rhythm), in the Na Thap Prob Kai style, consisting of two sections: Section 1 with four beats and Section 2 with six beats. The piece has a repetitive melody and a variety of tonal groups, making it well-suited for solo arrangement. As it had not yet been adapted into a solo piece for string instruments, the researchers creatively arranged it as a duet for Saw Duang and Saw U to represent the love between two people. The piece is divided into four parts: Part 1 ("Thang Wan," Section 1) conveys sweet and tender love; Part 2 ("Thang Kep," Section 1) portrays the playful joy of lovers; Part 3 ("Thang Wan," Section 2) expresses flirtatious dialogue; and Part 4 ("Thang Kep," Section 2) illustrates a fulfilling and blissful love. Seven traditional solo techniques are employed: 1. sliding, 2. scrubbing, 3. finger tremolo, 4. double-note plucking, 5. sound circling, 6. syncopated playing, and 7. bowing flick. Additionally, the researchers introduce one newly invented technique: string plucking.