PERFORMANCE METHODS OF SAW-DUANG IN KHREUNGSAI PICHAWA ENSEMBLE BY KRU JIRAPON PETCHSOM

Abstract

          The study aimed to explore the performance methods of Saw-Duang in Khreungsai Pichawa ensemble and the melodies of Saw-Duang in Khreungsai Pichawa ensemble by Master Jirapon Petchsom. The findings showed that Saw-Duang played an important role in the ensemble as a leader. Performing Saw-Duang in the ensemble required the understanding of the musician in the instrument’s role and the use of appropriate melody to be the foundation of the ensemble. The performer must be precise in the main melodies of the tunes and expertise in key transposition to perfectly respond to the fast tempo of the ensemble. There were four approaches for performing Saw-Duang in Khreungsai Pichawa: learning the main melodies, practicing modulations, composing melodies, and adding special techniques. Additionally, the Saw-Duang musician was able to perform in either Saw-Duang tuned the original key or Chawa key. The study found four types of melodies that were performed: the main melodies, conjunct melodies, repeating melodies, and ascending melodies. These melodies performed by Master Jirapon Petchsom were simple and straightforward in order to provide a foundation for the ensemble, and also to support Pichawa by performing rapid passage and using special techniques consisting of Prom-Pid, Prom-Perd, Prom-Jak, and Sa-Bat-Niew.