Dynamic of Pra Artit Ching Duang in Thai Traditional Music Culture

Abstract

Pra Artit Ching Duang is one of Pleng La songs which is very valuable in terms of Thai musical culture. Composed by Pra Pradit Pairor (Mee Kaek), it has been popularly used and performed since King Rama 5’s reign until the current monarchy. Through the periods during which it has been performed, Pra Artit Ching Duang has been importantly related to the Thai musical culture in many aspects, both for development of the format of the Pleng La type, method of play by each institute as well as varieties of lyrics that reflect hidden gimmicks as well as harmonization in line with study of Thai classical music into which Pra Artit Ching Duang is brought for use in study and teaching in courses of Thai classical music established by such institutes. Moreover, Thai classical music contests are regularly organized and these activities widely draw great interest among students and Thai classical musicians nationwide.