“เพลงเกริ่น” เพลงฉ่อย: เสน่ห์เพลงพื้นบ้านภาคกลาง (“Phleng Greon” Choi Song: Charm of Central Thai Folk Song)

Abstract

             This article aims to analyze the charms of Phleng Greon in Choi song. Choi Song is the old central Thai folk song which is still popular until the present time. Its popularity can be obviously seen in the performance of the three uncle (or the word ‘Naa’ in Thai) comedians (Naa Yong, Naa Nong, Naa Puang) in multiple variety shows. There are two types of cadence of Choi song; one is the old cadence and the other is the present one. The old cadence of the Choi song singing is called Phleng Greon. Phleng Greon is characteristic of both charming cadence and content as follows: Firstly, the charm is the beginning and ending of the song by lead singers and the responding way of the refrain signers, together with beginning, ending and responding styles. These make the songs beautifully melodious and depict the creativity in singing styles which are harmoniously ensemble since the ancient time. Secondly, the role of Phleng Greon is also the charm contributed to the relationship between sacred beings, performers and audience. The contribution makes Choi song still existed today. The mentioned charm is the charm of the magical and intense atmosphere in Wai Kru ritual and the charm of beautiful and pleasurable singing of lead singers’ dialogue songs which are the key of folk songs. Thirdly, the charm of Phleng Greon’s art of literature including sound play, figures of speech and sequencing techniques, created imagery and appreciation in beautiful wording and aesthetics. And lastly, the guiding art of written literature transfigured in to folk’s Phleng Greon. This is considered to be creative wisdom and reciprocally strengthening the stability of the texts.