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Pradeepanjali 14 - a review:
Sitar music to a new dimension
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Pradeep Ratnayake
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The sequence of the strings of his sitar. The vibrancy of the musical
chords. The excellence of the harmony. The scintillating symphony. The
elegance of his presentation - all proved the musical eloquence of
Pradeep Ratnayake at a recent evening at the Lionel Wendt.
The audience was moved to different heights. For a moment, a world of
their own looked created on their faces. The expressions on Pradeep’s
face presented a million musical notes. The evening embraced the
occasion with grace. It was a different world within the precincts of
Lionel Wendt.
As Pradeep Ratnayake took the sitar to a new dimension the audience
seemed mesmerised. Yes….. It was a dimension …..Excellence of
unprecedented melody echoes.
I would say Pradeep created a different world within this world, a
world for the better, and a world for deep thought as meditation was
ideal in such an atmosphere. That was what came out from the fingertips
of Pradeep thro’ the sitar.
It is said that for some, music runs in the blood and melody echoes
in the veins. They are the blessed. They begin with eyes closed, mind
and body on the instrument.
Music innovation flowed though the strings of Pradeep’s sitar like
the silent flow of river waves along a river. Inner peace of mind to the
audience provided peace and tranquillity for moments and moments. He
proved that Pradeep Ratnayake was a unique and excellent product in
music.
The sitar told the audience that Pradeep was among the few in a
million gifted with unique musical talents. First it was Pradeep playing
the sitar.
Then it looked the sitar taking on Pradeep. Finally, the sitar and
Pradeep looked one entity. But in reality, Pradeep and his sitar played
together in marvellous harmony to the distinguished audience.
That night was illuminated with Rag Pilu, Piano Raga, Flight, Indian
classical Raga and Stallion in the Field.
Blend of the Bass Guitar, Thammattam, Getebera, Udakki, Piano,
Violin, Flute, Ghatam, Tabla and Ganjira with the sitar creating a calm
atmosphere. Harsha Makalande, Lakshman Joseph de Saram, Kumara
Liyanawatta, Alston Joachim, Karunaratne Bandara, Chandralal Amarakoon
and Jananath Warakagoda showed their talents to the audience proudly.
Their techniques of playing the instruments have given a uniqueness to
the music giving it a new soul.
Finally, came the Ukusa Wannama with sitar and percussion taking
centre-stage. The traditional dance tune followed the flight of the hawk
slow to gradual speed. It depicted the movement of the hawk as it glided
and soared through the air.
It was an evening to remember.
- Ganga Pradeepa
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