ดนตรีวอญย์แฝะ (ewcjzW) : ดนตรีในพิธีศพพระสงฆ์มอญในประเทศไทยและประเทศพม่า (WORNFAEH MUSIC : A MON MONK’S FUNERAL MUSIC IN THAILAND AND MYANMAR)

Abstract

          This research study aims at examining the music of the Mon minority in Thailand and in Myanmar. Ethnomusicology has involved extensive work of qualitative research on documenting traditional music. Data were collected by reviewing the related documents, field trip recordings, observations, interviews, recording of still images and movie recordings. The data analyses were performed through interpretations and inductive conclusions.

          The research found that WORNHFAEH was a ceremony arranged at a ritual funeral of Mon monks in Thailand and Myanmar. Traditional music, consisting of a melody and rhythmic instruments, was played while singing and dancing were performed in a parade. The song lyrics described the benevolence of the monk passing away. The singing was unique as it was accompanied with the chorus, and the modification of fast and slow tempo rhythms. The tone changes occurred as to avoid boredom and to relieve tension of the performers and musicians. The song lyrics described the respect paid to the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. The differences of the song lyrics between the Mons in two countries were that the Mon language use in Myanmar was finer and more detailed. The length of tune was also found different. A bamboo flute was found used at the Wornhfaeh rituals by Mons in Myanmar, but not in Thailand.