The King's music of life

A MAJOR TELEVISION tribute to His Majesty the King, “Kitaracha”, was unveiled to the press at a Bangkok hotel last week, with Privy Councillor Admiral ML Usni Pramoj stressing, “His Majesty is the centre of all Thais’ hearts.”
Boon Rawd Brewery and Singha Corp are sponsoring “Kitaracha” – a series of short television clips and a music video airing this month and a music-training camp.
“Music links everything,” the admiral said, “and, as a band, musicians must be united – that’s an important lesson. All of His Majesty’s musical compositions are beautiful and should be performed more often.”
Usni conducted the Pro Musica enssemble in a performance of the King’s compositions at the unveiling and recalled the “wonderful” time he had playing in the band His Majesty formed, called Aor Sor. “We’d normally practised on Sundays and we played on the radio every Friday. It was a great pleasure.
“We didn’t know jazz – His Majesty introduced us to the music, and it was very lively, with endless improvisation. His Majesty is truly the supreme artist, and the melodies and lyrics are beautiful, so one-of-a-kind.”
The King’s musical talents – playing saxophone and clarinet as well as composing – were recognised internationally soon after his coronation and he often sat in with celebrated foreign musicians on his travels overseas. In 1964 Vienna’s esteemed Institute of Music and Arts made the King an honorary member.
Thais of all backgrounds have found much to admire in all 48 of His Majesty’s compositions. He specifically wrote some of them to boost civic morale and some to foster patriotism.
“Being well aware of the great musical talents of His Majesty, the Thai people know that his songs lift the spirit, bring happiness and inspire great things for our society,” Boon Rawd vice-chairman Vapee Bhirombhakdi said. “His talents are recognised internationally and Thais are delighted with that.”
Vapee called “Kitaracha” a show of gratitude for “the royal grace”.
On television, 10 two-minute clips will feature some of the music industry’s leading lights sharing their impressions of His Majesty’s songs. The participants are ML Usni, Pongprom Snitwong Na Ayuthaya, Dr Pathorn Srikaranonda, Chanyapong Thongsawang, Chatree Kongsuwan, Yarinda Bunnag, Eve “Palmy” Pancharoen, Arnon “Poo” Saisaengjan from Blackhead and Pongkul “Pop” Suebsueng. They’ll talk about “Klai Roong” (“Near Dawn”), “Chata Chevit” (“HM Blues”), “Lom Nao” (“Love in Spring”), “Waew” (“Echo”), “Duang Jai Kub Kwam Rak” (“Heart and Love”) and “Saeng Thian” (“Candlelight Blues”).
Chatree pointed out that these songs can be quite powerful despite their simplicity, such as “Lom Nao”, while “HM Blues” has the sort of melody that invites endless improvisation.
Kanchit Sopchokchai has directed a music video, “The Heart of Our Father”, in which singers Asanee Chotikul and Palmy perform tunes composed at the Music Union label specifically to celebrate the King’s tireless efforts over six decades to safeguard the country and its people.
Asanee said he was deeply honoured to be part of the project and declared, “It’s time for all Thais to perform their duty the best they can in order to take care of the country, which is His Majesty’s and our treasure.”
The third component of “Kitaracha” is the Pro Musica Junior Camp, the aim of which is to give classical music in Thailand a broader foundation. Talented youths lacking the opportunity or support to train in the classics are being selected in Chiang Mai, Tak, Songkhla and Yala to undergo training in Bangkok. They’ll learn the King’s songs and present a formal concert in October.
Tasana Nagavajara, the camp’s director, called it a great chance for aspiring young musicians and singers from upcountry to display their talents and learn more. “As a tribute celebrating the 50th anniversary of His Majesty the King being awarded honorary membership in the Institute of Music and Arts of the City of Vienna in Austria, we hope that, through the camp, His Majesty’s musical compositions will reach out further, to the younger generation.”
 TUNE IN FOR
THE TUNES
 A celebration of the King’s musical gifts, “Kitaracha” includes:
- The music-video series “The Heart of Our Father” airing on June 26.
- The mini-documentary series “Kitaracha” being broadcast tonight and tomorrow and again from July 7 to 11 and on July 14.
- The episodes will appear on Channel 5’s “Hard Core News” (6 to 6.30pm) and after the “News from the Royal Court” (7.55 to 8.15pm); on Thairath TV’s “Parade Banterng” (7.15 to 7.45pm; and on the Nation Channel’s “Khao Khon Khon Nation” (9.30 to 10.45pm).