Ballades from Thai Literature for Piano Solo: “Phra Abhai Mani” by Denny Euprasert

Abstract

The composition Phra Abhai Mani by Silpathorn Artist Dr. Denny Euprasert was commissioned by the author as part of the project “Ballades from Thai Literature for Piano Solo.” The project started in May 2017 after the author received a grant from the National Research Council of Thailand.

The author then selected four distinguished Thai contemporary composers to write piano works that show a strong relationship with Thai culture and literature. Therefore, each of the composition was named after famous Thai literature. Four composers participated in this historical project were Professor Dr. Narongrit Dhamabutra (Three Perspectives of I-Nao), Assistant Professor Dr. Denny Euprasert (Phra Abhai Mani), Associated Professor Dr. Wiboon Trakulhun (Ramayana) and Assistant Professor Dr. Saksri Vongtaradon (Mattanapata).

This paper focused on Phra Abhai Mani and the compositional style of Dr. Denny Euprasert that combines Jazz idiom with classical element. The composition has 10 movements and demonstrats advanced techniques required by both composer and performer. Four main movements were selected to discuss in this paper.