The Phleng Ruea of Phitsanulok: Melody, Tradition, Way of Life
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Abstract
The research article “The Phleng Ruea of Phitsanulok: Melody, Tradition, Way of Life” is a partial fulfillment of research project on the Phleng Rua Innovation in Phitsanulok Province to enhance the five dimensions of elderly’s happiness. The research aimed to study the melody of Phleng Ruea (Boat song) and customs related to the way of life of people in Phitsanulok. This qualitative research methodology was conducted by collecting data from academic works concerning boat songs, and additional interviews with the national artists, experts and folk philosophers. The study found that the melody was kept singing regarding to the traditions, but the lyric composition has been adapted according to the times. Boat song singers perform two roles: 1) the lead singer and 2) the responding singer. There are three components of the introductory song: 1) Rong Uean Kroen Nam (Drawing out the note for the introductory part as a melody without lyrics) 2) Rong Soi (bridging song) 3) Rong Noi Thamnong Thao (Singing the “Noi” sound in a same melody of the verse). The lyrics of the verse were sung in an improvised storytelling, and to end a song, it would be sung more slowly in each verse as CODA. Musical form can be classified as ABCDBC/ ABCDBC/ ABCDBC. In the rhythmic pattern of the beat, follows the “Na Thap Laos pattern”. For Ching (Cymbal) rhythm is specific format as Ching-Ching-Chap, while the Penta-Centric Scales are Thang Phiang O Bon CED_GA_, and Thang Phiang O Lang GAB_DE_. Furthermore, the thematic analysis also found that boat songs are performed in traditions related to the way of life along the Nan River in Phitsanulok, including the off-season robes offering custom in Hua Ruea, the tradition of Phra Phuttha Chinnarat Buddha Image robes procession (Hae Pha Hom Luang Pho Phra Phuttha Chinnarat), and long boat racing tradition.
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ข้อความรู้ใดๆ ตลอดจนข้อคิดเห็นใดๆ เป็นของผู้เขียนแต่ละท่านโดยเฉพาะ คณะมนุษยศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยนเรศวร และกองบรรณาธิการวารสารมนุษยศาสตร์ฯ ไม่จำเป็นต้องเห็นพ้องด้วย
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