In the words of the presenter, “the basis for love is the basic love for humanity.” Asitha Tennekoon, no stranger to the musical fraternity of Sri Lanka, presented a song recital which encapsulated varying hues of the passion of love and the emotions evinced thereby. Defined as a feeling that draws upon ‘a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from generic pleasure to intense interpersonal attraction’, love can also be experienced in manifold ways.
This being his second solo recital, after ‘Ave Colenda Trinitas’, which left many enthralled in April last year, Asitha was able to live up to and beyond expectations this time around as well.
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| Asitha Tennakoon |
Having returned to the island after completing the first year of his degree in Vocal Performance at the acclaimed Jacobs School of Music in Indiana, Asitha took us through the changing moods of love, with a wide ranging choice, which included the works of Bizet, Totsi, Mozart, Berlin and Bernstein as well as several other timeless classics. He had chosen the perfect blend combining German, French, Italian and English pieces.
The evening’s performance, which included the renowned Ramya De Livera Perera, accomplished mezzo soprano Peshali Yapa and talented young Dominic Johnpillai among others, strove not to just define the subject at hand, but instead explore its possibilities and wide ranging ambit.
The German selection of the evening, which opened the night’s performance, included ‘Widmung’, ‘An Chloe’ and ‘Die Böse Farbe’ from the 18th and 19th centuries. Each providing a varied understanding of the compassionate resonance of identifying the notion of love with our surroundings and being able to grapple with the complexities associated with it.
His French choices by Bizet and Massenet, notably works like ‘Chanson D’Avril’ and ‘Ouvre Tes Yuex Bleus’ harkened to the dawning of love, and the awe inspiring impact it has on the human being.
Pieces from Totsi, Mozart and Donizetti comprised the Italian repertoire, conveying a variation of emotions. The first two, ‘La Serenata’ and ‘Il Mio Tesoro Intanto’ drew the audience to the depths of sorrow and solitude, while the third piece, ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima’ one of the most beautiful arias in history, expressed a longing for love.
Of particular interest were the duets performed by Asitha and Peshali, especially David Baker’s ‘Someone is sending me flowers’ where the play on the words was fabulous and ‘Anything you can do’ by Irving Berlin which was truly a treat! The use of the stage, the recreation of the setting and mannerisms were simply exquisite to say the least. On a more serious note, pieces like Lucy Simon’s ‘A Bit of Earth’ from the children’s favourite The Secret Garden brought out a more mature side of Asitha, as he dealt with the inner emotional pangs of loss and seclusion.
Ramya De Livera Perera, did a splendid job in accompanying Asitha and the rest of the singers on stage with her perfect playing. Although young in years, Dominic Johnpillai, is already on the path to becoming one of the most talented violinists this country has produced, having trained under the best, Ananda Dabare. He did ample justice to Bohm’s ‘La Zingana’ and made a valuable contribution to the entire night’s performance. Similarly Peshali Yapa, a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, with her heart rending version of Porter’s ‘In The Still Of The Night’ added to the wonderful creation of just the right mood.
Pulling at everyone’s heartstrings with a surge of patriotism, the concert reached its closure and, no doubt, climax with Anthem from Chess by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. Written, after the world famous band ABBA split, Anthem possesses the ability to create a resurrection of emotions of loyalty and compassion.
As Asitha, himself, had quoted in the souvenir the words of Alexander Pope, from Moral Essays, Epistle III, Line 153
“THE RULING PASSION
BE WHAT IT WILL
THE RULING PASSION
CONQUERS REASON STILL”
The intention of the presenter was for the audience to not only enjoy the music, but be “exposed to the gamut of passions that the force of love induces.” We certainly were.
Looking forward to more such performances upon your return! Congrats Asitha! |
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