ANALYSIS OF MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS IN RAMAYANA CHINESE OPERA PERFORMANCES

Abstract

This research aims to explore the musical identity within the Ramayana Chinese Opera performance by the Chae Lang Ngek Lao Chun Troupe, under the Chinese Opera Association of Thailand. It investigates this musical identity through the lens of cultural fusion in the creation of musical characteristics within the Ramayana Chinese Opera. Employing a qualitative research methodology, this study utilizes the concepts of identity and cultural fusion as its analytical framework. Data was gathered from relevant research documents and field studies through observation, interviews, and empirical data collection. The collected data was subsequently analyzed using a descriptive narrative approach.

The findings reveal that The musical composition for the Ramayana Teochew opera incorporates the traditional 7-tone scale of Teochew music with the "Move Do" system to create harmony between the music and vocals. The melodies are crafted using the four main melodic modes of Teochew music is King Lak, Tang Lak, Oua Ngouw, and Huang Suo each conveying distinct emotions aligned with the scene's content. The musical structure comprises an introduction, main themes, transitional melodies, and accompanying conversational music, all working in unison to drive the narrative and express the characters' emotions. The melodic progression predominantly features disjunct motion, employing major 2nd and minor 3rd intervals. The rhythmic variations shift according to the scene's emotional tone, utilizing fast tempos for excitement and slow tempos for sorrow. Dynamic changes are employed to vividly evoke audience emotions in accordance with the scene's narrative. The instrumentation is categorized into two main groups: rhythmic percussion and melodic instruments. In conclusion, the musical composition of the Ramayana Teochew opera showcases the successful fusion of Teochew music with Thai literature, effectively using music as a tool for emotional and narrative communication.