CREATION OF NAPHAT MUSIC COMPOSITION FOR LISTENING PURPOSES IN A WORSHIP SCHEME, DURIYAPHATTHAYAPHIROM, THOTSATHEP APHIWANTHANA SUITE

Abstract

This article is part of the findings of a doctoral thesis on Thai music composition, titled “Duriyaphatthayaphirom, Thotsathep Aphiwanthana Suite” which aims to create a Naphat melody as listening purpose in the form of praise based on the findings. It was done as a qualitative study, with experts in the field interviewed. The composition of the song, which were all taken from the study on the characteristics of Naphat melodies represents the concept of creative composition, lyric, vocal melody, instrumental melody, and practice technique. The composition's concept and inspiration are divided into three acts. Act 1, “Trairat Bucha”, was composed in praise of the Triple Gem (Rattana trai), parents, and teachers. Act 2, “Mahathep”, was composed to praise the worship of the Mahadeva, namely Shiva, Uma, Narai, Lakshmi, Brahma, Surassawadi, and Ganesha. Act 3, “Duriyathep”, was composed to honor the deities, namely Prakhonthap, Vishnukam, and Panchasingkhon. Comprising lyric, vocal, and instrumental melodies, each with unique techniques and ornamentation. All three Acts were composed using the five types of the Thotsathep as a source of the vocal and instrumental parts. This source enhances the beauty of the music. It stands for worship of the sacred’s divine power. An elaborate and sacred expression could be created during a performance.