Onson

“ONSON for Winds”

This piece is inspired by the essence of Isan — the northeastern region of Thailand — which has been deeply rooted in my identity since childhood. It reflects the sounds I grew up with: the music of my homeland, the culture, the way of life, and the memories that remain vivid throughout my life.

The composition begins in C minor, with the main melodic materials drawn from the notes C, Eb, F, and G, which recur throughout the piece. These simple and repetitive tones represent the familiarity and constancy of the sounds from my early years.

The opening section is inspired by the traditional folk song “Nok Sai Bin Kham Thung” (The Bird Flies Over the Field) by Pleung Chairatsamee, serving as a musical prelude to evoke the atmosphere of Isan before the piece develops further.

Before the slow section, a marimba solo is introduced — symbolizing the sound of Pong Lang, a renowned folk instrument of the region, adding a distinct and authentic sonic color.

The slow section, titled “MOM”, expresses a heartfelt longing for my mother and home — capturing the warmth, comfort, and love I yearned for in that moment.

Toward the end, the key modulates up from C minor to D minor, lifting the emotional weight of the piece and bringing it to a close with a sense of joy, dignity, and strength — as if returning home, filled with love, nostalgia, and pride in one’s cultural roots.