Abstract:
The study aimed to explore the context of Saw-U performance in Khreungsai Pijava ensemble and study the performance method of Saw-U for the song "Thep Nimit Sam Chan" followed by "Kraw Nok Pasa" in Khreungsai Pijava ensemble by Master Jirapon Petchsom. The findings showed that Saw-U played a vital role in the ensemble. Master Jirapong Petchsom's performance with the Saw-U in the ensemble required advanced skills: extensive musical knowledge, achieving a state of musical transcendence, selecting suitable melodies to perform, and rendering musical interactions.The performer must be precise in the main melodies of the tunes and possessed quick decision-making and execution abilities. Given the fast tempo characteristic of Khreungsai Pijava performances, Saw-U performers were required to possess the proficiency to skillfully devise melodic structures. The study revealed special techniques used by Master Jirapon Petchsom for this tune including (1) luang jangwa (advancing phrasing) ; (2) yoi jangwa (delaying phrasing) ; (3) dot siang (wide intervals) ; (4) klam siang (gliding) ; (5) yam siang (repetition) ; (6) rood niew (sliding) ; (7) sa-but niew (triplet by fingering) ; (8) sa-but khan chak (triplet by bowing) ; (9) prom niew (trill) ; (10) nen khan chak (accentuated bowing techniques) ; These techniques represented the distinctive style of Master Jirapon Petchsom in creating the sound of Saw-U, a low-pitched musical instrument, to produce resonant, clear, and aesthetical performances of the Saw-U in the Khreungsai Pijava ensemble.