AN ANALYSIS OF DENNY EUPRASERT PHARA ABHAI MANI USING FELIX SALZER’ METHOD

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the melodic and harmonic structures in Phra Abhai Mani, composed by Denny Euprasert, focusing on Sections 1 to 5 through Felix Salzer’s structural theory. Emphasis is placed on the middleground and background levels, along with significant musical details. The findings indicate that Section 1, The Two Brothers, prolongation a C major chord; Section 2, The Mermaid, prolongation the C Mixolydian sound; Section 3, Wonder Island, prolongation a tritone between C and F#; Section 4 The Orgress prolongation the note F#, which envelops the musical space; and Section 5, Princess of the East, prolongation a tritone between C# and G. Upon reduction, the composer is found to use modal and chromatic resources including Phrygian, melodic minor, chromatic, pentatonic scales, and quartal/quintal harmonies to create fresh melodic color. The harmonic structure across Sections 1–5 is based on contrapuntal structure rather than traditional functional harmony.