SAW-U HARMONIC STYLE IN MINSTREL PERFORMANCE

Abstract

          This research article is partially fulfilment of the research on knowledge from minstrel song in Sawankhalok, Sukhothai by Khru Pratheep Suksopha (National Artist in Performing Arts, Folk Song 2020). The form of Khru Prateep's minstrel performance consists of 1) teacher worship song, 2) King anthem song, 3) hail song, 4) narrative song, 5) fable song, and 6) farewell song. According to this minstrel performance, the research’s objective was to present the harmonizing style of Saw-U with Singer. This research is conducted by a qualitative research methodology by participating in observations, interviews and researching academic papers.
          The harmonic style of the minstrel is played when the singer sings hail song and narrative song. Both songs’ form are A/ B/ C while Aew-Khlao-Saw harmonizing style is done in farewell whose form is A/ B /A. Style of harmonizing phrase regarded as Penta-Centric Scale to counterpoints with the rule of harmony.
          The results showed that the first issue Saw-U harmonic style in minstrel song divided into three sections: 1) the introductory melody is applied as drawing out the note like singing song. 2) the improvisation freely expressed with ingenuity and final note of each phrase must maintain the high ‘do’ melody. 3) In the final part of the song, the melody is played as the vocal song by drawing out to slow down (largo). The second point Saw-U Harmonic Style in Aew Klaw Saw melody divided into three sections: 1) the introductory phrase is played as the vocal song to start the song. 2) the improvisation must have ingenuity defend main sound of the melody (MI) in last word in the earlier phrase and high do (DO) in the last word of the passage. And 3) last part of the song is as same as the intro melody, and ended up with the slow down note. From both issues, The musicians must play according to the context. Keep the main voice in sync with the vocals footer to lead harmonic style.