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Soothing music for tired nerves
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For the first time in Sri Lanka you can walk into the Elphinstone Theatre, listen to the soothing instrumental music, relax and get rid of stress.
“Sangeeth Bhavana or musical meditation is not a new concept among performers. Every performer has to concentrate and set his mind to the right mood in preparation for a repertoire.
This mindfulness or concentration is achieved through Bhavana or meditation. Although “Sangeeth Bhavana” may be a new concept to the listener, this is an integral part of the life of a musician; says Anil Mihiripenna.
While he is explaining the concept of Sangeeth Bhavana I hear a sitar being played by somebody with nimble fingers. Someone else is playing the flute-the maestro’s favourite instrument. I close my eyes for a moment and get lost in reverie.
Sarada Kala Nikethanaya, situated in the heart of Colombo city, is turning into a hive of activity. Students, young and old, have come to learn and practise music, both vocal and instrumental at the feet of Mihiripenna. I hear the soft music wafting across the room.
“It is a known fact that everybody suffers from some kind of stress. It is the degree of stress that varies from individual to individual. Mindfulness through meditation makes the mind stronger and over time allow its control. Sangeeth Bhavana is my prescription to all those who are suffering from stress,” he says looking at me with those piercing eyes.
How do you do it?
“I use Swara Samadhi or Swara Sankalana to set the mood the individual experiences and shift him from a state of restlessness of the body and mind to a state of absolute tranquillity which in turn has a direct bearing on his blood circulation. In short, this kind of music will purify your mind.”
I remember the kind of music I hear when I travel in buses. Most of the time a man or a woman is desperately trying to sing some meaningless words. The music is sickening and monotonous. Nobody seems to be listening but the radio is blaring out loud music.
How did you evolve this concept?
“The concept evolved from the seeds of a thought roots of which can be traced to February this year. At that time I was in Kolcata as an examiner of the Bhatkhande Sangeeth Vidyapeet.
Following the examination work I was invited to perform at the Bengali music college. Beginning my performance as usual, I moved form Raga Vilambith (slow) to a Druth (fast). Then I decided to take the performance to an experimental level. This was how Sangeeth Bhavana came into being.”
He describes how he ran through the experimental session with his eyes closed When he opened his eyes he saw about 50-75 people in the audience seated cross-legged on the floor. Later on, he found out that the musical intonation had set the atmospheric surrounding to a meditative mood.
I gather that a few of his friends such as Dr. Ananda Perera and Dr. Lalith Piyasiri who are keen on music and meditation have come forward to sponsor the show.
The orchestra will include Anil Mihiripenna (flute and esraj), Sujith Priyadarshana (sarod), Ruvini Rangeeth Dias (violin) and Rashmi Sangeetha (guest vocalist). Students of the Fine Arts Departments of the University of Kelaniya will also participate.
Anil Mihiripenna may be contacted on [email protected]
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