Tetra Stream (Four Picture Regions of Thailand)

for Flexible Ensemble (Flex-Band and Flex-orchestra) | 10’ | Grade 3.5 | 2025

฿5,000.00

Program Note

This piece was inspired by photographs I had taken during my travels across different regions of Thailand. The country is traditionally divided into four main regions: the North, the Central, the Northeast, and the South. For this work, I selected one photograph to represent each of these regions.

The composition draws upon the emotions and atmospheres I personally experienced while visiting each place. Rather than aiming to capture a universally shared impression of the regions, the music instead reflects my own feelings and interpretations of those moments. Listeners may not necessarily associate the piece with the exact character or ambiance of each region, but what I sought to express was an honest musical portrayal of my personal journey and emotional response.The following notes describe the composer’s reflections in more detail:

Northern Region ( Bar: 1 – 43, Mark: A – E )

The North is often associated with mountains, mist, and a gentle sense of serenity. My photograph captured a quiet landscape at dawn, where the cool air and stillness left a lasting impression. The music for this section reflects that atmosphere—calm, spacious, and colored with subtle textures, like a gentle breeze moving across the hills.

Central Region ( Bar: 44 – 96, Mark: E – K )

The Central region, with its bustling cities and fertile plains, gave me a very different feeling. The photograph I chose was taken in a lively town, full of energy and movement. The music here is more rhythmic and bright, echoing the sense of vitality and everyday life that defines this part of Thailand.

Northeastern Region (Isan) ( Bar: 96 – 144, Mark: K – Q )

In the Northeast, I was struck by the warmth and resilience of the people, as well as the wide-open landscapes. My photograph showed a rustic, sunlit field that seemed endless. The music carries a rustic, earthy quality, with melodies that are both grounded and spirited, echoing the character of the region’s culture and traditions.

Southern Region ( Bar: 145 – 210, Mark: Q – End )

The South, with its coastlines and tropical atmosphere, left me with feelings of openness and freedom. The photograph I selected showed the sea stretching far into the horizon. Musically, this part is flowing and expansive, with a sense of motion that mirrors the ocean waves and the natural beauty of the region. I also recall an experience at a small bar in the South, where soft jazz was playing in the background alongside the gentle sound of waves breaking on the shore. The combination created a sense of comfort and a mood I deeply enjoyed, which I decided to weave into the music as well.

Citation

  • The program note was provided to Thai Wind Composers by the composer.

Information

Composer

PART 1

  • Piccolo
  • Flute/Oboe
  • Eb Clarinet
  • Bb Clarinet/Soprano Sax.
  • Bb Trumpet
  • Violin

PART 2

  • Flute/Oboe
  • Bb Clarinet/Bb Trumpet
  • Alto Saxophone
  • Violin

PART 3

  • Bb Clarinet/Bb Trumpet
  • Alto Saxophone
  • F Horn
  • Viola

PART 4

  • Tenor Saxophone
  • F Horn
  • Viola

PART 5

  • Tenor Saxophone
  • Bassoon/Trombone/

Euphonium

  • Violoncello

PART 6

  • Bb Bass clarinet/

Contrabass clarinet

  • Bassoon/

Contrabassoon

  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Bass Trombone/

Euphonium/Tuba

  • Double Bass

Percussion ( Optional.)

  • Timpani
  • Percussion 1

( Snare Drum, Wind Chimes,

Rack Cymbals, Ching (ฉิ่ง) )

  • Percussion 2

( Suspended cymbal, Cymbals,

Ching (ฉิ่ง), Wind Chimes )

  • Percussion 3

( Bass Drum, Triangle, Snare Drum,

Ocean Drum )

  • Percussion 4

( Glockespiel, Xylophone, Marimba )

  • Percussion 5

( Vibraphone, 4 Tom-tom,

Tambourine, )

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