Abstract:
An instrumental solo piece for Ja-khay, Thayoy Diao was composed by Luang Pradit Phairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng) during the reign of King Rama VII, and had first been passed on to Kru Phaitoon Na Mahachai. The piece makes a reference to the original composition of Thayoy Diao for Pii instrument but reveals the techniques used specifically for Ja-khay instrument. The research aims to study the context of Thayoy Diao solo for Ja-khay, and to analyze its unique musical form, including the special techniques appeared in this piece. The research findings shows as followings: 1. Melodic characteristics can be divided into two groups: (1) Neu melodies or main melodic lines and (2) Yon melodies or tonal-concentrating melodic lines. There are four sections appeared in the Thayoy Deaw solo composition: introduction, main melodic lines, tonal-concentrating melodic lines, and ending. 2. A technique known as Loi Changwa or non-meter playing has been used for its melodic movement. Techniques of reduction and variation of melodies are the main factors that make the composition unique and enhance variety of music expression. 3. Throughout the piece, there are fourteen special techniques of Ja-khay playing: sabad (grace note), Prib (two grace notes), three-note sabad (grace note) down-scale, three-note sabad (grace notes) up-scale, kayee (rhythmic diminution), rood-sai (gliding), proy sieng (fading), kuab sieng (concurring notes), klum sieng (concurring notes), deed taew (concurring notes), prom new (trilling), two strings kratob (double stopping), three string kratob (triple stopping), ting-noi (double stopping with metal string). The consequence of using special techniques causes the transposition of melodic modes which occurs altogether three times within the composition. In addition, as Pii is the main instrument for the melody of Tayoy Deaw solo for Ja-khay, some melodic phrases in this piece show specialities of Pii melodies which were only found in Tayoy Deaw music.