Naga Trus Madi

Available in SAB and percussion.
Duration: 3:50

Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series.

Naga Trus Madi is a fiery composition for SAB choir and percussion. It is inspired by the Southeast Asian mythology of dragons as protectors of mountains and lands. Joey Gianan Vargas and I were intentional in depicting a mythological creature (a dragon named Trus Madi) that might have been misunderstood – dragons are known to be scary beasts that kill, but, through Southeast Asian folklore, we discovered a naga (dragon) who took pride in being a protector of his family and other treasures. Only when provoked does the beast become anxious and enraged.

This rhythmic work leans towards programmatic music and features word and vocal play merged with folkloric elements – quartal harmonies, dance-like rhythms, and shifting tonality – that are spun through a musically-contemporary lens.  

I encourage you to read Joey’s poem that tells Naga Trus Madi’s full story, where Trus Madi’s attempt in recovering a stolen pearl resulted in him being killed instead by the thieves (two princes). In the end, his wife (Naga Kina Balu) will step in his place to avenge her husband…

…that will be the sequel of a future choral work 🙂

I am grateful to the Cantabile Choirs of Kingston and Geoffrey Sirett (Artistic Director) for commissioning me to create this work as their Conductor-In-Residence for the 2024-2025 Season. It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration.

– Tracy Wong, March 2025.

Text

Here is a story about Naga Trus Madi,
a dragon known widely for his might and fury.
He possessed and protected prime priceless treasures;
among these is a pearl that is rare and precious.

Two cunning princes came to claim this acclaimed pearl
from the dragon known for a great hunger to kill.
They’ve long been wanting to get this famous jewel,
to finally fulfill their father’s greatest will.

They waited until the fierce dragon left its lair,
before they came rushing down to steal, to conquer.
They rushed to their Kunlun ships with enormous fear;
the dragon came back, felt furious, filled with anger.

The ferocious dragon bellowed, drew a deep breath,
to release a blazing fire, to burn the princes.
But they shot a cannon first, that shocked, shook the earth.
The dragon was hit; its body fell on the seas.

The princes journeyed home excited, rejoicing.
The reward for the rare pearl: one will become king.
They didn’t see, there’s another dragon hiding,
watching, waiting on top of a taller mountain.

Hidden from all, Naga Trus Madi had a wife.
Tired of endless fights, she was the joy of his life.
He kept her far away to protect their children,
and to hide far greater treasures of the mountain.

This is a story about Naga Trus Madi
whose wife’s a fiercer fighter and hunter than he.
Her enemies she would relentlessly pursue;
now a widow, her name’s Naga Kina Balu.

-Joey Gianan Vargas

Learning Resources for “Naga Trus Madi”

Learning tracks coming soon! Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!