March of the Royal Hounds

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:56:58 +0700

HRH Princess Galyani loved dogs. There were, I think, at least thirty at the palace in Sukhumvit, and they were famous for putting on a special display during the daily broadcast of the National Anthem! I will never forget that on one occasion she heard that one of my own dogs, a miniature Schnauzer named Electra, had died, and she made a special point of having her assistant call me to express sympathy. This was the kind of incredibly special person she was. I decided that the third movement of the symphony, traditionally a “scherzo” or “joke” movement, should be called March of the Royal Hounds and I hoped it would bring a smile to the princess’s face.

A Joyful Noise

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:48:09 +0700

Many years ago, I composed the Galyani Symphony as a 79th birthday present for Her Royal Highness. A live recording was made at the first performance. It’s not an ideal recording as it’s live, but I would like to share some parts of it with all of you. This is the second movement.

It is a symphony about joyful moments, because there was a kind of joy that always emanated from her when she listened to music. I have tried to capture that feeling.