Starlight
By Narongrit Dhamabutra

            Narongrit Dhamabutra deliberately composed the “Starlight” for violin I, violin II, viola and cello – specifically for “Chulalongkorn University String Orchestra” to perform in the university’s classical concert paying the tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra in memory of her contribution to the university’s people on Sunday 15th June 2008 at Chulalongkorn University’s auditorium, Bangkok, Thailand.
The “Starlight” composition allows string players to perform their best as string instruments’ players. The challenge lies in the ability of all the musicians to convey the feeling of the composer – as the representative of Chulalongkorn University’s people – towards the contribution of the Princess to the university’s people – beautifully, within the crafted melodies, harmonies and techniques.
The composition starts with the sound of mourning – describing the great loss – which the composer specifies that every instrument employs “Sul ponticello”, a particular technique for string instruments that requires that players bow near the bridges – to produce certain sounds of grey atmosphere under the cloud of melancholy.
            Next, the sweet main melody comes in the piece with Thai flavour in the key of D Major to present the main idea of this composition “Starlight, the light of the star that shines in the memory of Chulalongkorn University’s people”. “We would like to pay the tribute to the Princess’s contribution to us.”
            In the coda, the university’s people send the Princess to heaven. The music portrays the glittering and bright light of the Star in the sky. The piece gradually becomes softer – diminuendo – and eventually ends at F Major chord.
            The Starlight shines brightly in the sky…and lies in the hearts of Chulalongkorn University’s people eternally.