THE JOURNEY OF SONG CYCLE “NIRAS THUMNONG-THARN”

Abstract

This research article presents the research and creative process of the song cycle “Niras Thumnong-Tharn”, a set of nine pieces composed for soprano and a chamber ensemble. The song cycle was inspired by water flowing through various places, like the life of the researcher changing through time. Fate had also drawn numerous events and feelings that occurred in every stage of life as reflected in each song. Each song presents lyrics from Thai contemporary poems with a consistent theme. Although the Thai language usage is accessible, it has been beautifully crafted and still conserved entire literary value. The lyrics in Songs Nos. 1 and 9 are from poems by Pratuan Areerob, the researcher’s father, while the lyrics in Songs Nos. 2-8 are from Klong Nirat Mae Moh by Gongbhoap Ruensiri. The music was composed by the researcher and Dr. Vanich Potavanich using the conventional classical music theory. The nine songs are 1) Gentle Breeze, 2) To My Teachers, 3) On Your Own, 4) Homage to Chula, 5) No Rebound, 6) Star Cascade, 7) Shattered, 8) The Soulmate, and 9) The Farewell. The song cycle with Thai lyrics “Niras Thumnong-Tharn” will add to the vocal literatures in Thailand as a guideline for creating Thai art songs, as well as to encourage the creation of compositions in the same genre to achieve widespread recognition and meet the international standard.