Solar Eclipse II: Double Concerto for Flutes, Guitar, and Strings

Abstract

This is creative research with the objective of creating a new contemporary music composition that incorporates a unique and interesting combination of instruments. The research was funded by the Research Institute of Rangsit University. Double Concerto Solar Eclipse II is a contemporary music composition that fuses Northeastern Thai folk music elements with 20th century music composition techniques for a flautist (who will perform the flute family instruments from contrabass flute, contra-alto flute, bass flute, alto flute, flute, and piccolo), guitar, and string ensemble. It was structured on the folk story of "Rahu devours the sun" (or "Frog eats the sun" in the Northeastern Thai dialect). This research article starts with the objective and outcome of the research. Explanation of ideas and inspirations from folk tales and music influences. The composer continues to explain the five movements structure of the work, introducing the main motif, then discussing the characteristics of each movement and techniques uniquely used in them before making the conclusion.