BUDDHA JAYANTHI OVERTURE

Abstract

Buddha Jayanthi overture was composed in order to represent principles of the Buddhism, reflect the incidents during Buddha era and celebrate Sambuddha jayanthi (the celebration of two thousand and six hundred years of the Buddha’s enlightenment). The concepts of this composition result from study knowledge of main melody, theory of composition, biography of Lord Buddha, and principles of Buddhism. The main songs used in this composition are Sathukan Thiaw Noi, Phrajaw Loy Thaad, Tuang Phrathaat and Kraow Ram. The patterns used in this composition are augmentation, diminution, composition new melody and change melody. The rhythm used in this composition is Nahthub Propkai in Sam Chan. The first section lasts three nahthub-rhythms representing the Three Marks of Existence, the second section lasts five nahthub-rhythms representing the Buddhist Five Precepts and the third section lasts six nahthub-rhythms representing six practices of Buddhist missionaries. Long melody conveys misery, sadness and peacefulness. Independent melody conveys the doctrine of inconsistency. Lookkhat melody indicates chaos and fight between goodness and desires inside human mind. Look-law melody passes on the message about following Buddhist principles. The note ‘Re’ represents the Four Noble Truths. The octave is raised up and pulled down represents forbearing passion. The usage of ‘Fa’, ‘Sol’ and ‘La’ notes represents sound of prayer. Kraow Ram melody at the end of song stands for blessing those who comply with Buddhist principles. In composition, the pattern of melody and traditional composition must be in line with each other and base on rhythm of four main songs which is favorable and complete in terms of melody.