Pradit Phairo (ประดิษฐ์ไพเราะ)

Name of a legendary Thai musician skilled in traditional Thai instruments and classical Thai compositions. He was born on 26 August 1881 AD as the son of Nai Sin (สิน) and Nang Yim (ยิ้ม), and originally with the given name Son (สอน/ศร). His father Sin was a music teacher, who led a pih phaat (fig.) and was himself a student of Phra Pradit Phairo (ของพระประดิษฐไพเราะ), a monk and music teacher during the reign of King Rama III, and after whom Son was eventually renamed. In 1900, at the age of 19, he demonstrated his talent at playing the ranaat ek (fig.) to Prince Bhanurangsi Savangwongse (fig.), who found the performance so pleasing that he consequently invited the young artist to Wang Burapha Phirom and appointed him to music teacher and permanent ranaat ek player in the palace's music group. On 27 June 1925, he was bestowed with the bandasak Luang. In 1926, he began to serve in the Department of Royal Music and Palace Dance, where he dedicated himself to the compositions of King Prajadhipok. He passed away on 8 March 1954, aged 73. See also POSTAGE STAMP. 回