The Compilation and Analysis of Motivic Movements in Ranat Eek Musical Instrument: A Case Study of the Cherd Song Composed by Samran Kerdphon, National Artist

Abstract

This research aims to study the concept of Kru Samran Kerdphon (the national artist of Thailand) creating the melodic phrases in Cherd song for Ranat Eek. This study was a qualitative research based on the melodic phrases of Ranat Eek that the researcher has gained and inherited from Kru Samran Kerdphon through interviews, research papers archives and related documents. This study identified that the concept of Kru Samran Kerdphon who invented the melodic phrases in Cherd song for Ranad Eek. Hence, this concept can be divided into three levels: the first level is holding melodic structures such as principal notes (Luktok), scales (Kloom saing) and melodic contour (Tid Tang Tamnong). The second level is known as rhyme-making which consists of four techniques such as melodic creation for lining up, jumping-over melodic creation (not more than 5 ranges), melodic creation in order to play all ranges of the Ranat Eek, melodic creation as to avoid the deadlock of melody. Finally, using the repetition of melodic contour to make the melodic balance of ‘thaang’ of the Ranat Eek in ‘ Waak’ (4 measures) or Prayok (8 measures).