lao duang deuan (satb)

The title of this piece, Lao Duang Deuan, refers both to Laos, the country that borders Thailand to the north, and the moon (duang deuan), used here as a poetic symbol for a woman.  The melody, well-known by Thai people everywhere. was written around 1904 by Prince Benbadhanabongse (1882-1909), inspired, as the story goes, by a trip to Northern Thailand.  Traditionally, the music would be sung while accompanied on traditional Thai instruments.  The music is not for any particular holiday or festivity and is sung by people of all ages in various settings.  This arrangement, also performed by Thai choirs, uses the original material in a way that is accessible to Western choirs.

A pronunciation CD is available for $4.50.