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| Thursday, 20 January 2005 |
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Fragments of Memory A rare audio CD of 17 enchanting songs by Fr. Claver and St. Mary's Choral Group Reviewed by Francis D'Almeida Neranjan de Silva, the audio wizard has done it again. With his recently acquired Psychoacoustic sound equipment he has re-engineered 17 enchanting vocal compositions performed by Fr. Claver and St. Mary's Choral Group in the late 1980s to produce a new CD. It is aptly titled "Fragments of Memory". Originally recorded in the acoustically excellent interior of St. Mary's Church Bambalapitiya, where Fr. Claver conceived and brought forth the choral group, these masterpieces were made available 15 years ago in two audio cassettes. The recording itself was done with rudimentary recording equipment but in the hands of Neranjan who besides possessing ample technical expertise, is also an expert organist. "Pass It On" came out in 1987 and "Be Consoled" was released in 1988. The two albums not only became a source of rare musical experience, but also served as teaching and training aids. However, the new production in the CD format with 17 songs in English, Latin and Italian spans a period of over 400 years from Palestrina's "Adoramus te" to the modern spiritual "Pass it On". It also includes solos by Fr. Claver with excellent rendition of the classical "Caro Mio Ben", Where E'er You Walk and Ombra Mai Fu recorded when he was at his musical best. A brief account of the contribution of Fr. Claver to the choral music in the country will enable readers to better appreciate the value of the CD. It was at his home that the young Claver gained exposure to the sound of music as his sister practised her examination pieces on the piano. It is said that the naturally talented child used to play the same pieces from memory with ample dexterity. Soon, Fr. Claver came under the tutelage of Fr. Mervyn Weerakkody at St. Peter's College as a member of the college choir. He often recalls with amusement how after being trained for several months, the boys realized that Fr. Weerakody, then the school Rector had mixed-up the dates of the competition, which was long since over. St. Peter's at that time had in its ranks several top musicians of the caliber of Nihal Fonseka. Fr. Claver's musical activities continued in the Peradeniya Campus and thereafter in the Seminary. However, it was in the College of Propaganda Fidei in Rome that he rose to international fame, as a soloist even at the papal ceremonies and caught the attention and earned the admiration of Pope John XXIII. Unlike many others who are trained in the ecclesiastical institutes overseas, who keep what they learnt for themselves, but following in the footsteps of Fr. Ignatius Perera, the founder/director of "Catholic Choral Society", Fr. Claver decided, what he learnt under great musicians in Europe, to "pass it on". As a young assistant parish priest from Rome with encouragement of Fr. Joe de Mel another Roman scholar, Fr. Claver set up a choir with young lads of the Bambalapitiya Parish. Soon "St. Mary's Choral Group" as the outfit was known, acquired much fame as a top notch choral assemble. It was good fortune that people like me, even though coming from Ragama, to find a place, thanks to Fr. Claver's large heatedness. There was no doubt that the "hundred and one" things that the singers learnt from his regular and devoted training sessions and several concerts, were for life and went beyond the realm of music. He continued his mission of music even after he was transferred to St. Peter's College and thereafter to the National Seminary, Kandy. As time went by, Fr. Claver's choir also included female singers and indeed it added a new dimension to his ongoing effort. The new CD titled "Fragments of Memory", which has just been released is a presentation, of these mixed voices in harmony. The singers included veteran Jeff Alagaratnam, with his rich baritone voice. But, there were many others including the young Aloysius brothers from St. Joseph's, the Fonseka sisters from Holy Family Convent and Preterites Stefan Corera and Keith Wijesuriya whose dad Annan was a dear friend of Fr. Claver and to whose memory the CD is dedicated. The album includes The Lord's my Shepherd (Brother James Air) a gorgeous rendition of the Italian Nativity song "Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle" where Fr. Claver's voice acquires a fine brilliance owing to his open rendition, which blends well with those of the choir. Amarilli, Jesu Rex Admiralitis, "sun of my soil" are some of the gems in this musical tapestry. The accompaniment comes from Neranjan (organ), Sharmini Fonseka (flute), Osahana Abeykone and John Aloysius (violin). As our wounded land is emerging from a devastating crescendo of Tsunami disaster, Fr. Claver's rendition of "Be Consoled My People" is providentially timely, to bring solace to those broken hearts afflicted by the tragedy. All those who possess this rare connection please contact Neranjan on 5533937. As you enjoy the songs presented in "Fragments of Memory" you will indeed experience the rare "fragrance of memory" of the years gone by. |
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