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.