THE ARTISTIC SOUND OF “TONE CHATRI AND KLONG CHATRI”: THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF BAN RUANGNON

Abstract

This article examines the “Tone Chatri” and “Klong Chatri” in terms of their performance techniques, transmission, promotion, and future preservation, focusing on their role as significant musical instruments in the Chatri drama performances of Ban Ruangnon. These instruments play a crucial role in maintaining rhythm during performances and have a historical legacy dating back to the early Rattanakosin period. The transmission of skills related to playing the Tone Chatri and Klong Chatri within the Ruangnon family has been carried out through intergenerational knowledge transfer and by providing opportunities for external learners. To explore and analyze the musical uniqueness and role of these instruments, this study highlights the adaptation of traditional ensembles from the use of the original Nora orchestra to integrating the Pi Phat ensemble and the transformation of performances from ritualistic offerings to academic and cultural tourism showcases. Despite these adaptations, the traditional essence of the performance art has been preserved through one-on-one knowledge transmission within the family across generations.