A CREATION OF THE NEW MUSIC COMPOSITION OF THE PI IN MANGKHALA FOLK MUSIC ENSEMBLE: MANGKHALAPHERI SAINATHIWITHILILA

Abstract

This research article is part of the project's research titled Pi mangkha: an analysis and musical creation, with the goal of composing a melody for the pi in mangkhala folk music ensemble. The findings revealed that 1) the concept of creating pi’s melody is formed by the rhythmic pattern (mai klong) of a pair of drums. Furthermore, the concept of a communal melodic phrase which ten similar melodic idioms were found in the lower northern region; 2) the process of creating the melody of the music began with identifying the concept and process, then leading to the creation of the pi’s melody. The melodic structure was created into four-part form: introduction, preying homage to spirit (wai khru), imitating human gestures, and imitating animal gestures.  These reflect three functional characteristics of the music: a device for serving the needs of cultural utility, establishing musical sustainability, and expressing cultural identity of the lower northern region.