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The Music – Tracklist
1. Noble (Vaishnava Jan): This is a variation of the song (prayer) Vaishnava Jan. It was a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi. The text enumerates the virtues of a noble person. The original melody and rhythm is straightforward but this performance explores a bit more on both aspects.
2. Slake (Desh): Slake is a refreshing piece with a dualism of satisfaction and longing. It is centered on a monsoon Raga named Desh symbolizing relief and release (after the summer heat), romance and growth (cultivation). It is set to fast tintaal, a rhythmic cycle of 16 beats divided 4/4/4/4.
3. Sun Gate: As the last stop for travelers exiting ancient China onto the Silk Road, Sun Gate was one of the two gates of the westernmost frontier, fortified by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty around 100 BC. The Eighth Century poet Wang Wei of the Tang Dynasty wrote a farewell poem to his friend, which became a well-know song. The current melody is based on a late Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) tune, originally played on guqin, a seven-string zither.
4. Bilawal : Based on a major raga in the Indian melodic system, it portrays the energy of the late morning sun; that of rejuvenation and exploration. The rhythmic feel of five corresponds with Jhaptaal in the Indian tala system. The melody is oriental and universal at the same time. The mode is similar to the Ionian scale, with a variation on the seventh note.
5. Drunken Ecstasy: This guqin (ancient zither) piece was believed to have been composed by Ruan Ji (210-263) from the Three Kingdoms Period. It reflects the discontent of intellectuals, who lived in a period of political power struggles, corruptions, conflicts between the haves and have-nots, and upheavals in the society. They took comfort in wine and music
6. To-I-Light (Marwa): This piece has a contemplative mood, reflections on the day as it winds up. It is based on Raga Marwa. The meter of the piece is a deceptive interpretation of regular four, which doesn’t feel like one.
Journey - DVD
The Independent film The Journey, directed and produced by Silk Screen Executive Director Harish Saluja.
