Journey to India
In 2002, my wife (Carol) and I visited Amsterdam. Late one night we ate dinner at an Indian Restaurant where the proprietor was playing music from the soundtrack of a movie. The music was so exquisite that I nearly fell out of my seat. When I asked what music was being played, the proprietor proudly showed me the CD of music by A. R. Rahman. He is the first composer I am aware of to successfully fuse contemporary Indian music with the Western classical style. The result is music that is sophisticated and inspirational. Since then I have listened to many contemporary Indian composers, but my favorite remains Rahman, who stands high above his contemporaries in my estimation.
This piece, "Journey To India", is a tribute to the cause of merging two great musical traditions. The piece is not intended to depict a literal journey, but more an intellectual and spiritual one. The rhythmic and harmonic sophistication of Indian music fits nicely with my own ideas of where orchestral music must head in the twenty-first century in order to maintain its vibrancy and relevance in the world. This journey is my first attempt at venturing into new musical territory pioneered by contemporary Eastern musicians and composers, whom I believe are some of the finest musicians on the planet. It's a shame more Western musicians are not listening to them - we have a lot to learn from these musical brothers and sisters.
"Journey to India" was commissioned by Emily Ray as part of a celebration of world music. She conducts the Mission Chamber Orchestra in this recording of the premiere performance in April of 2004.
This piece, "Journey To India", is a tribute to the cause of merging two great musical traditions. The piece is not intended to depict a literal journey, but more an intellectual and spiritual one. The rhythmic and harmonic sophistication of Indian music fits nicely with my own ideas of where orchestral music must head in the twenty-first century in order to maintain its vibrancy and relevance in the world. This journey is my first attempt at venturing into new musical territory pioneered by contemporary Eastern musicians and composers, whom I believe are some of the finest musicians on the planet. It's a shame more Western musicians are not listening to them - we have a lot to learn from these musical brothers and sisters.
"Journey to India" was commissioned by Emily Ray as part of a celebration of world music. She conducts the Mission Chamber Orchestra in this recording of the premiere performance in April of 2004.
Tonality - 100%
Difficulty - Professional
Difficulty - Professional
