The People’s King

This recording is not available commercially, but you can listen to the first movement here:

 

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While teaching music in Bhutan during the 2009-2010 academic year, I was commissioned by The Royal Office of Media to compose a 30 minute cross-cultural suite, a musical offering in celebration of His Majesty the King of Bhutan’s 30th birthday. The piece was recorded and delivered to His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel

Wangchuck on February 21st, 2010 and performed before him in July of that same year.

 

The piece entitled, “The People’s King”, is my humble tribute to Bhutan, its dedicated and compassionate King, its beautiful culture and its wonderful people that have

all touched me so deeply. Originally composed for the four traditional Bhutanese instruments, piano and chanting monks, it brings together jazz, classical music and Bhutanese folk music. The monks of Dechen Phodrang Monastery in Thimphu were recorded especially for the purpose of this composition, chanting the Amitayus mantra of Limitless Life in dedication to His Majesty’s Birthday.

 

Musicians:

Noam Lemish – piano

Samten Chopel – Lim

Kencho – pchewang

Songay Thinley – yanchen

Kelzang Phuntso – dramnyen

Monks of Dechen Phodrang Monastery

 

Production:

Sonam Wangmo – sound technician

Neten Dorji – mixing

Choling – editing

 

Recorded February 19th and 20th, 2010 at BBS National Studios, Thimphu, BHUTAN.