Abstract:
This research of Tra-Blai in Hmong music Culture, Chiengmai Province is
based on an Ethnomusicology and aims to study of the role Tra-Blai takes towards
socio-cultural of Mhong, Tra-Blai Organology and Tra-Blai Music. The result from
the study are :
Tra-Blai has existed in Hmong society for a very long time. It shares in
part of Mhong faith and religion in a perfect harmony. The role of Tra-Blai can be
found in an entertainment, spirit ritual and bantering of men and women together as a
medium in cultural communication. One who has an ability to perform Tra-Blai will
gain respect within Mhong society.
Tra-Blai consists of 3 parts; a bronze reed, a body made of Chong-keng, and
resonant made of gourd. In Tra-Blai invention, after materials preparation, perforation
is made in the body, built in reed, adjusting pitch, and built in gourd resonant.
Chiengmai’s Trablai has 6-7 holes. The first pitch and the seventh pitch is almost
equivalent to an octave in western music. There are 2 methods of blowing; side-blown
and direct-blown.
Tra-Blai music is separated into 4 groups by its occupied modes as:
1. Serng mode consists of pitch 1 2 4 5 6
2. La mode consists of pitch 1 2 4 5 6 7
3. Saeng mode consists of pitch 1 2 4 5 6 7
4. Sue mode consists of pitch 1 2 4 6 7
Tra-Blai musical characteristic is made with continuous phrases without
repetition. Phrasing consists of 3 main parts; head, body and tail. Melodic motion is
mostly conjunct by sixteenth note and long note. Text setting is made by syllabic
without relationship of number of syllables per phrase.
The lyric mostly depends on the sounding accent which having “To” accent
with low pitches, “Tree” and “Jattawa” accent with high pitches. Tra-Blai’s lyrics
concern the love of young people interpolated with norms, tradition, and faith.