The Role of Cello in Thong Sia Sieng Terng Chinese Music Ensemble, Hatyai, Songkhla Province

Abstract

          This article employed a qualitative research method. It is a musicology study which aimed at studying the Thong Sia Sieng Terng Chinese music ensemble in the social and cultural context of Hat Yai City, Songkhla province, the role of the cello in the Thong Sia Sieng Terng Chinese music ensemble, and the musical form of cello in the Thong Sia Sieng Terng Chinese music ensemble. The research found the rituals and performances, a cello was used as a replacement for Tua Pha in the Thong Sia Sieng Terng Chinese music ensemble in 1988. It was responsible for both the main melody and the harmony in heterophony and polyphony patterns. It was played as the accompaniment during the Chinese monks’ chanting in many steps of the ritual especially playing with fingers while other instruments are silent. For all events, the cello is an indispensable instrument of the band because it serves as the only instrument which controls bass.

          Most cello musical forms are binary with time signatures of 2/4 and 4/4. The phrases have a movement pattern of notes that do not exceed the fourth interval. The techniques for using a bow include Detache, Slurred Staccato, Martele, Portato, Tremolo, and Pizzicato. The techniques of Tonal answer, and Imitation are used with the melody.