The "Royal Lullaby", a new CD production, brings together 10 pieces of the King's melodious compositions in fresh arrangements, commissioned for this special Royal Diamond Jubilee Musical Celebration.

It features David and well-known Thai pianist Indhuon Srikaranonda as soloist, with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Emmanuel Siffert. Chris Craker is the producer.

For the first time, Thais will hear the King's melodies they have grown to love in a completely different sound and atmosphere.

The Royal Lullaby renders, almost in epic proportion, a soul-like approach to the King's compositions, taking the listeners to a higher musical level by the singing tones of David's Carlo Bergonzi violin. This has made it sound like David is playing a series of mini violin concertos, which combine classical elements with jazz influences in a very unique way that characterises the King's compositions.

Yet the melodies of the King are always there, true to the heart and sincere to the soul.

David has come to appreciate the King's compositions over the past year following his collaboration with Thai pianist Indhuon Srikaranonda. Last year, the duo took part in the Mozart Musical Festival in Bangkok, and at the end of the demanding programme, the two played the King's compositions as an encore to rousing applause from the Thai audience.

David raised the idea of probing the King's music further by making known his wish to play violin solo on new arrangements of His Majesty's compositions. Indhuon would join him as a soloist on piano.

The organising committee under royal patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, would undertake the project - which would also commemorate the 60th anniversary of the King's accession to the throne.

British arrangers John Lenehan and Harvey Brough were specially commissioned to work on the fresh arrangements of the King's compositions. Manrat and his son, Pathorn Srikaranonda, also made contributions to the arrangements.

The pieces include Love Light in My Heart; Dream of Love, Dream of You; Falling Rain, Kinari Suite...A Love Story; Lullaby; Somewhere Somehow; Love at Sundown; Can't You Ever See; When, and Oh I Say.

In early September, David and Indhuon flew to London to make the recording session under producer Craker, one of the most respected producers in the world. The recording took two days in four sessions. Craker has more than 400 albums to his credit over the past 15 years, working with leading artists and international labels such as Sony BMG, EMI, Nimbus, Naxos, Virgin Classic and Polygram.

"After I played the King's music with Indhuon, I was very excited about it. And the audience was also excited about it. I then wondered why the King's music was not known widely among international audiences. So, we have come up with this project, which will be a good platform to promote His Majesty's music not only in this country but also on the international scene," David said.

David said there were two sides to the King's compositions - classical and jazz influences, which he can combine into beautiful music. French classical music composer Maurice Ravel was also tempted to add jazz elements in his music.

"His Majesty did it in a completely new way, combining it with lyrics. What is so special about his music is that it is really very beautiful, very uplifting. If you listen to the music, you feel better. It's inspirational," he said.

Craker described the King's music as profound. "His music includes wisdom about life. It is very soulful," he said. "Within the first bar, you are taken to a different sound world, almost like Richard Strauss - very symphonic and classical. The solo violin is played like a series of mini violin concertos."

Craker said he was happy and proud to have been involved with six to seven recording projects on His Majesty's compositions.

Tomorrow evening, at the Sukhothai Hotel's Sukhothai Ballroom, David and Indhuon will perform some pieces from "Royal Lullaby", which will be attended by HRH Princess Galyani.

There will be an auction for the specially made album. Proceeds will go to support a musical fund under the royal patronage of Princess Galyani.

Thanong Khanthong

The Nation