Saen Kamnueng in Thao Variations : An Arrangement for Piano Solo

Abstract

In 1940, Thai music master, Luang Pradit Phairoh (Sorn Silapabanleng) composed "Saen kamnueng" in a structure of Thao (a three-fold rhythmic variation consisting of samchan, song-chan, and chan-deo) with a revision made in 1942. "Saen kam-nueng" is constructed in a typical two-section structure; however, with remarkable characteristics different from other thao repertoires, including the introduction passages added before sam-chan movement (the first slow movement) and inserting ha-ang pleng (coda) before completing the composition with look mod (a short conclusive song). Besides these unique characteristics, Luang Pradit Phairoh also reinforced melodic repetition throughout the piece. The solo piano version of "Saen kam-nueng," therefore, receives an inspiration from these distinctive features. The main idea in inventing the solo piano version is to create a variation whenever melodic repetitions take place. Moreover, the counter melody is added in both hands as well as a harmonic development that unfold the rhythmic complexity of the Thao composition at the same time, maintaining unity and the thread of thoughts.