Creative Music Composition “Kitasamphan Jeen, Khaek, Farang in Thonburi”

Abstract

The creative music research titled “Keetasampan: Jeen, Khaek, Farang in Thonburi” had two main objectives: (1) to study the historical background of the Chinese, Muslim, and Western ethnic groups in the Thonburi area, and (2) to study the music of the Teochew Chinese Loh Kow ensemble, the Pi-Klong ensemble performed in the Shi’ah Muslim Maharām ceremony, and the bell and carillon music, including the song Luk Kudi Jeen of the Portuguese community who settled in Thonburi, for the purpose of musical creation. Data were collected from documentary and field research to investigate both historical and musical aspects.

The findings from the first objective revealed that the Jeen, Khaek, and Farang, ethnic groups in Thonburi descended from ancestors who migrated and settled in the region since the Ayutthaya period. They played significant roles in contributing to the nation’s stability. When King Taksin established Thonburi as the capital, these groups relocated and continued to settle there, becoming integral communities with long-standing ties to Thai society. The study of music demonstrated that each group possesses its own unique historical background and aesthetic perspective. Their musical traditions continue to play important roles in religious and cultural ceremonies. Based on these findings, the researcher created a musical work integrating the distinctive characteristics of all three groups, entitled “Keetasampan: Jeen, Khaek, Farang in Thonburi” symbolizing the interrelationship among these ethnic groups within the historical context of Thonburi. The research resulted in three Thai musical suites representing Jeen, Khaek, and Farang, styles. Each suite comprises three pieces whose melodies reflect the history of each group and combine distinctive instruments to enhance clarity and beauty of tone. This creative work contributes new knowledge to Thai music composition and promotes the preservation and dissemination of the musical wisdom of the Jeen, Khaek, and Farang, communities in Thonburi, fostering cultural learning and peaceful coexistence in society.