Abstract:
Thayoi Diao was originally composed during the reign of King Rama III by Phrapraditphairo (Kru Mii Duriyangura) as an instrumental solo piece for pii. Thayoi Diao is one of the most advanced solo pieces in Thai music. It requires both knowledge and skills of the composer to create the melodies. During the reign of King Rama VII, Kru Luang Phairo Siangsaw composed another instrumental solo version of Thayoi Diao for saw u. The saw u solo of Thayoi Diao by Kru Luang Phairo Siangsaw reveals the use of techniques specifically belonged to the instrument. The research aims to investigate the context of Thayoi Diao solo for saw u, musical form of the piece including special techniques and styles employed in this solo version. The analysis shows as follows: 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. The structure of Thayoi Diao solo composition has five sections: introduction, main melodic lines, tonal-concentrating melodic lines, bridge (transitional section), and ending. 2. Melodic movements employ a technique known as loy changwa or non-Meter playing. The reduction and variation of melodies are the main factors to elongate the composition based on the tonality used in each section. Thus, it renders varieties to the composition as a whole. 3. Special techniques reflect a unique musical identity of the instrument. The consequences of special techniques are the transposition of melodic modes which occur altogether five times within the composition. In addition, some melodic phrases make a reference to the original composition of Thayoi Diao for pii. 4. In terms of rhythm, the interrelationship between a soloist and percussionists is of great significance to achieve the excellent performance. Both soloists and percussionists must work together and pay attention to important points marking the sections, for example, the end of non-meter sections, the end of main melodic lines, the change of tempo, and the supporting role of percussionists to a soloist when the tempo becomes faster. The study of Thayoi Diao solo for saw u by Kru Luang Phairo Siangsaw is one of the musical studies in Thai music which will enable the transmission and preservation of the Thai musical wisdom to the next generation.