Ananda P Srestha

Kathmandu:

Gopal Yonjan dedicated his entire life to studying and researching all forms of Nepali music. His compositions are therefore versatile and not confined to any genre. The compositions in the CD under review, dedicated to promoting peace and understanding is vintage Gopal Yonjan, a collector’s item — a poetic fusion of Nepal’s melody and rhythm with the dynamics of Nepali seasons. The collection captures Nepal’s musical heritage, culture and art as embodied in its geographical uniqueness.

The flute introduction, track 1 is a beautiful piece, a befitting prelude that heralds the six Nepali seasons signifying the eternal cycles of existence from death to rebirth. Track 2 entitled “Kathmandu” conjures up images of medieval Kathmandu with small groups of Newar musicians playing their traditional drums and musical instruments as they go up to Swayambhunath every morning to pay homage to Buddha during the month-long Gunla festival. The piece vividly juxtaposes the image of ancient temples, stupas, myths and legends of the past against 21st century Kathmandu.

The “Selo” of track 3, accompanied by the lively beat of the ‘damphu’, reflects the lifeblood of the Tamang culture. The folk rhythm subtly fused with intricate violin pieces and a melodic flute raises possibilities that the Selo, besides being highly entertaining, could well symbolise a rich culture whose unique musical heritage remains largely untapped.

“Sagarmatha”, track 4, invokes visions of the mighty Sagarmatha and the Nepal Himals at close range; the harsh countryside dotted with Gombas and Chortens and in addition, yak herds against steep cliffs and deep, narrow gorges of a rugged mountain landscape. The violin and ‘damyang’ blend perfectly and become one with the chorus. The piece signifies a tireless search for truth, for the jewel in the lotus — for eternal peace, salvation and nirvana.

Ritu Ranga, (tracks 5 to 10) a musical epic in six seasons reflects Nepal’s existence cycle drawn from the maestro’s intimate moments with nature. The blend of melody and rhythm through instruments like the bamboo flute, sarod, classical fiddle, violin, sitar, santoor, bells, panche baja, murchunga etc, aptly reflect Nepal’s cultural identity.

Track 11 “Rhythms/ Sounds of Nepal”, a grand finale to the collection in the form of traditional drums and beats like the damphu, chyabrung, khaijadi, madal, dhime, khi, dholak etc, echoes the “rhythm heritage” which for centuries have been central to diverse forms of Nepal’s cultural practices — from the mountains right down to the plains.

Though the music was composed by Gopal in the early 90s, the recording and release of the album 14 years later, is the continuation of the musical aspirations that the Yonjan couple dreamt and visualised to project worldwide Nepal’s beauty and cultural mosaic. With Ritu Ranga, the dream has not only materialised but has also created musical history through classical and avant-garde disciplines. The tastefully designed CD and brochure that captures the spirit of the undertaking also deserves mention.

Gopal lives up to his legendary reputation, this time by transforming a unique concept into a classic. For lovers of music the “miracle” of listening to Ritu Ranga will be an exhilarating experience. The album could not have been better, but Gopal with his passion for perfection would have vehemently disagreed!