“Lagudua” Concertino for Euphonium & Piano

The Concertino for Euphonium and Piano is inspired by the melodies of Lagudua, from the Rong Ngeng dance performances of southern Thailand. “Lagudua” is a two-beat step song, considered a primary or prestigious song among Muslims, traditionally used to accompany dance performances since ancient times. “Lagudua” means “two-beat song.” The lyrics convey the following meaning: spirits with thick, heavily-applied faces, intend to utterly devastate the earth; blue jasmine flowers become wings that fly from that place their fragrance reaches here. “Rong Ngeng” is a traditional dance art form of the Muslim Thai community in the southern regions, particularly in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat. The dance of Rong Ngeng is known for its beauty and the delicacy in the movements of the hands, feet, and body, complemented by beautiful costumes. This piece was composed for Dr. Boonyarit Kittaweepitak to premiere at the Midwest Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference (MWRTEC) in Ohio in May 2024.