The Composition of music “Isan Rondo” for Wind Ensemble

Abstract

       This academic article presents a descriptive analysis of the creative process behind a musical composition aimed at preserving, promoting, and transmitting the cultural heritage of Isan music to an international audience. The composition incorporates key elements from traditional Isan musical motifs, such as “Lai Nok Sai Bin Kham Thung”, “Lai Tak Ka Taen Tum Khao”, “Lai Mang Tub Tao”, and “Lai Mang Phu Tom Dok”, as well as the tone center and drone pitch of “Lai Yai”, to serve as the foundation for its creation. The result is a musical composition featuring a main melody and harmonies structured in the A minor scale with a 4/4 time signature. The piece is polyphonic, showcasing diverse musical textures, and exhibits varying tempos. Its form is a rondo, divided into nine sections: 1) Introduction 2) Section A 3) Transition 1 4) Section B 5) Section A1 6) Transition 2 7) Section C 8) Section A2 9) Ending section. This creative composition reflects the unique cultural identity of Isan folk music motifs while presenting musical diversity in the form of a wind ensemble. By integrating principles and techniques of music composition, the piece achieves a contemporary expression rooted in multiculturalism.