A Study of Northern and Central Thai Music Interaction After Princess Consort Dara Rasmi's Returning to CHIANG MAI

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the relations of northern and central Thai music after the return to Chiang Mai of Princess Consort Dara Rasami, and to study the factors contributing to phenomena of musical relations of northern and central Thai music at that time. The data was collected using documentation form and semi-structured interview, and analyzed by content analysis. The data was classified and compared to form an inductive conclusion, then presented through descriptive analysis in an essay format. The results of the research were as follows: 1) The relations of northern and central Thai music after the return to Chiang Mai of Princess Consort Dara Rasami occurred when Her Highness returned permanently to Chiang Mai in 1914. She introduced and applied the forms, principles, and performance style of central Thai music to improve the standard of music and dance in the northern region, making them more orderly and systematic. There were eight sets of important performances that clearly represented musical relations of the northern and central regions: Lakhon Noi Jai Ya, Fon Man Mui Chiang Ta, Fon Man Mae Le, Fon Ngiaw, Fon Leb and Fon Thian, Fon Yokee Thawai Fai, Fon Mon or Fon Phee Mod, and Rabam Saw. After an analysis of musical relations patterns, it was found that it could be divided into two patterns: (1) the composition using the principles of central Thai music by the rearrangement of Luk Tok (accentuated note), (2) the performance combining the style of central Thai music with the traditional northern Thai music. The results of musical relations were recognized and adopted as a standard in Thai music and dance lessons, and have been widely applied until today. This was also corresponded to the 5 dimensions of cultural relations approach: adaptation, acculturation, cultural assimilation, cultural integration, and cultural conflicts; 2) There were four factors contributing to musical relations between northern and central Thai music after the return to Chiang Mai of Princess Consort Dara Rasami: economic factor, political factor, social factor, and cultural factor.