The Survival and Social Roles of Chinese Music Ensemble of Traisarana Buddhist Foundation in Chonburi Province

Abstract

          This research is qualitative research. The objective of this research is to study the survival and social roles of Chinese Music Ensemble of Traisarana Buddhist Foundation in Chonburi province. The researcher has chosen two main groups of informants: firstly, experts in musicology and ethnomusicology who have expertise in principles and concepts of Chinese music as well as the existence of Chinese music ensembles in Thailand, and secondly, Chinese musicians who have experience, expertise, and relationship with Chinese Music Ensemble. The researcher has collected information by snowball sampling through analysis, connection, and presentation in a descriptive analysis.

           The results show that Chinese Music Ensemble of Traisarana Buddhist Foundation has been established since 1939. Its missions are to perform in religious rites and be part of performances. It is famous for its ritual procedures, and well-equipped Chinese instruments; it relies on oral tradition for its existence. There are nine annual traditional ceremonies. The form of chanting for rituals uses religious chanting music called “Xiang hao,” which has a unique character. Nowadays, there are only two academies in Thailand which are teaching Xiang hao. The main performance is led by Yang Qin or Erhu, which will undertake the original Chinese score. Other instruments will perform the transforming melody, while the cello and keyboard will be in charge of controlling base and chorus sounds. This ensemble holds the performing role in important rites such as the Chinese funeral ritual, the rite of paying respect to the deceased, the royal blessing ceremony, and the groundbreaking ceremony.