CONTEMPORARY MUSIC COMPOSITION: NAM PRIK LONG RUER OF SUAN SUNANDHA

Abstract

"Naam Phrik Lohng Ruer Suan Sunandha," the musical composition for a motion video, was inspired by the two Thai tradition sources which are Jeen-Keb-Bup-Pha (Cīn kĕb bupp̄hā) and Nok-Jark (Nkcāk). The piece Jeen-Keb-Bup-Pha (Cīn kĕb bupp̄hā) is joyful in nature both melodically and rhythmically. In turn, Nok-Jark (Nkcāk) is slower. The composer intended to combine both elements and compose the new contemporary piece. This composition is based on the melodic lines of both traditional sources. Piccolo and Violin are the main instruments for Jeen-Keb-Bup-Pha (Cīn kĕb bupp̄hā) with the total of 37 seconds compressed from the original source of 57 seconds. Violin performs eight-note motif patterns while piccolo performs the melody to present the mood of enjoyment to convey the motion scene of preparing in the kitchen to make chili paste namely "Naam Phrik Lohng Reuua Suan Sunandha". In contrast, Nok-Jark (Nkcāk) is in the total of 20 seconds compressed from the original source of 56 seconds. As well as, in Jeen-Keb-Bup-Pha (Cīn kĕb bupp̄hā), the composer prefered to use piccolo to carry the melodic part, but harp took the role of harmony control. The Thai castanets is the main rhythmic instrument to give the hint of “Thainess” in the piece.