4 Aug 2020

Sarah BALLARD: Prema Lahari

From Music Alive, 8:03 pm on 4 August 2020

Performed by NZTrio - Amalia Hall (violin), Ashley Brown (cello), Somi Kim (piano)

NZTrio 2020

NZTrio 2020 Photo: Garth Badger

Sarah Ballard writes:

"This piece is a small musical offering to humanity of peace and affection.

"Prema Lahari" is a Sanskrit term that means "waves on the ocean of pure love".

The true self in connection with its ultimate source is by nature eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. One can realise the self through the sublime and easy process known as Bhakti yoga, the science of the love supreme.

The piece ends with a Sanskrit prayer, inviting the original source of the self to enter into the courtyard of the heart and to soothe the consciousness of all who may hear it so that as a civilisation we may make progress in a way that brings relief to humanity and all living entities. Please allow these sound vibrations to enter into and soothe your hearts."

The performance includes a recording of an Indian tanpura drone played by Daniel Nodari, and the Sanskrit prayer sung by Sarah Ballard herself.

Recorded by RNZ Concert, Auckland Concert Chamber, 5 July 2020
Producer: Tim Dodd; Engineer: Rangi Powick