Puppets of Siam, for Piano Solo

Puppetry is an ancient art form in Thailand (formerly, Siam), and there are several types of puppetry. Traditional hun lek puppetry is the type represented in this piece. The large puppets require three people (master puppeteers) to work the puppets and dance in unison on stage. The puppet shows are accompanied by specific music and narration that tell the story. The puppets are designed from an ancient art form: Kohn, and are extremely intricate. The story is of Good Triumphs over Evil and is based on a legend of Ramaikien. In playing this piece, follow the score instructions carefully, following phrases and no pedal. This is a different type of music than is normally performed on piano, but try to envision the instruments, the actions of the puppets, the movements of the puppeteers, and the style of music. There was no piano in ancient Siam, and the music is very unlike any used in traditional Western music. See YouTube links printed in the structural notes of the score for further education; the mp3 is from computer notation. There is no recording of the performance. This piece was written by request of a piano student who wanted to play music from his home country: Thailand. Please see other pieces in the composer's catalog: Dance of the Lanna, and Sounds of Siam.