Trisdee na Patalung: Audio clips

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I was inspired to write Eternity as a memorial to Her Royal Highness during my first visit to the Dusit Maha Prasat Hall in the Grand Palace, where our beloved Princess lies. I was immediately struck by immense sorrow and nostalgia as I entered, as well as by the splendours of the place and the beauty of the monks' chanting. It was a night I shall never forget.

As I sat in the hall, taking in the solemnity of the event, I realised that the monks' chant was nothing like what I had ever heard before. The chant was meditative and of haunting beauty. It was not until one week ago did I find out that what I heard was in fact Wat Rakhang Khositaram's Luen Luang chant, the melody of which I have decided to use as the composition's main theme.

The name Eternity was given by Somtow Sucharitkul, my composition teacher. It is scored for string orchestra and six soloists: two violins, viola, cello, double bass, and Pi Java (a Thai oboe used in funeral music). Its minimalist elements, I feel, ensure the piece's utmost simplicity and honesty. It is my first composition in this style.

Eternity begins with the Luen Luang chant played by the string soloists. The rest of the orchestra enters with six serene chords while the solo violin rises softly and slowly to a high note, symbolising the Princess's ascension to heaven. The piece progresses with a harmonised passage of the chant which builds up to the climax of the piece: the Pi Java solo. The strings conclude the piece with a recapitulation of the main theme. The six chords are softly restated giving Eternity a tranquil end.

HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra was the patron of the Bangkok Opera, the organisation of which I have been made resident conductor, and in the past years I was given several opportunities to perform in front the Princess which left me with a deep feeling of reverence and gratitude. I composed this work with simple honesty and my personal love towards Her Royal Highness, a Princess whose kindness has been immeasurable.

Trisdee na Patalung
19 April 2008, Bangkok