Tying the knot with music
Amalshan Gunarathne
The harmonic melody of music is like a tranquil pill that can cleanse
the wearied soul. It is amazing the way in which the music has the
ability to wash away the day’s sorrow and distress.
“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes
and curl my back to loneliness. Maya Angelou once said. The music is a
tangible figure; it has its own life. If you allow her to touch your
heart, she can turn out to be the best friend that you have ever had in
your life. My wife’s untimely death was a great shock to me. My life was
in great turmoil and I didn’t know who I should turn to. But then I met
this beautiful companion who lightened up my life and filled it with
vibrant energy.
In music I found a friend, a companion who is always there for me
when I want her the most. I married her. If anyone could have ever
filled the void left by wife, it was music. I found great pleasure in
her company.” Visharad Jagath Gunesekara expressed these thoughts at a
recent press briefing where he announced the launch of his debut music
album.
Visharad Jagath Gunesekara’s story is a fascinating one. He has
always been a big fan of classical, oriental music. But it is at the age
of 65 that he obtained his Visharad degree. He was once a student of
great Sunil Santha and has been a great fan of his musical style. In
fact most of his songs even reflect Sunil Santha’s style.
The Visharad, now eighty years old, still looks young as ever and is
blessed with voice which brims with youthful exuberance. His album is in
no way a melancholic lamentation about his past grievances. Instead the
album is a very lively one filled with energy and life. The simplicity
of lyrics is ideal for his style. The melodies for his songs are all
made by him. But the specialty of his melodies is that they are all made
using his own voice.
“I am no expert when it comes to musical instruments. I made melodies
from my own voice and explained to my friend Nanda Liyanage the way I
want my melodies done. And I guess he did a great job at composing the
music for my album. I don’t think anyone else would have done a better
job.” Visharad humbly confessed.
The music direction for his album is done by Nandana Liyanage and
coordination is done by Sarath Jayaweera. |
