Narong Prangcharoen

Anatman

A Sanskrit word, Anatman is usually referred to the notion of "selflessness" or "self-illusion." In the doctrine of Buddhism, the word Anatman is commonly used in a context to teach that all things perceived by the senses are not actually "me" or "mine" so one should avoid attaching oneself to them. This piece emphasizes the main note E (Mi - "Me") which represents oneself. The solo cello symbolizes a soul and self against distractions around it presented by the ensemble. Sometimes the solo and the ensemble move in the same direction but sometimes against each other. Sometimes the cello gets lost into the ensemble's distractions but sometimes it persists through them. The music is mainly divided into three sections. The first begins with a chanting-like melody focusing on the main note "E". The music moves around the central note as if the mind is trying to find a real soul. The second mainly focuses on a melodic idea derived from an old lullaby of Northeastern Thailand. This section is the only place where the whole melodic idea is fully presented. Then the ensemble gradually fades out, giving a way for the solo instrument to present its cadenza as if the distractions are withdrawn from the mind and finally leave it in a peaceful place. The last section is fast and vigorous, using the same material as the first section but in a different manner. Adding to the material is the Thai fiddle virtuosic playing style of Krao-nai (a solo genre of Thai traditional music). The piece concludes with fast and loud music with the re-emphasis of E, the principal note of the entire piece.