Tracks arising from Roerich Paintings. (with sound-bites)

for HIMALAYAN STUDIES Number 1

All images courtesy of the Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York. 

To view more Roerich paintings @ their site click HERE

 

 

BASGO – STRONGHOLD OF TIBET   (Volume 1)

Courtesy of the Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York

To listen please click HERE

 A strong and dynamic painting, which immediately impresses one. An isolated temple perched atop a high rock. There is a sense of courageous strength and the overcoming of difficulties. We are struck by a sense of power and yet of stillness – of a peace derived from living far away from the activities and troubles of the material world. The architecture of the temple blends in with the Himalayan mountain rock formed by the natural elements. A dramatic painting contrasting a golden light and indigo/purple darkness; human striving and a resonance within the natural environment co-existing with the elemental spirits that have occupied the area from time immemorial.

This is expressed in the music between very deep singing bowls and high singing bowls. On the right hand side the mountain takes the shape of a human face. This human element is present in the music via two special bowls – a Water Bowl and an Ululation bowl (designed to demonstrate the several [over] tones within the one sound of the bowl and so linked with deeper listening). 

 

THANG-LA   (Volume 1)

Courtesy of the Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York

To listen please click HERE

 

This important mountain range is depicted here in a very mystical and beautiful way. The main tone of the painting is a blue-violet hue and there are mists encircling the two peaks that are in orange-gold. It is as if we are catching a glimpse of this sublime realm through the mists. There is something of a suggestion of an other worldly quality to this mountain range. The mountains peak out from the soft mists suggesting a pathway to a higher realm. Orange and blue are complementary colours and this creates a dynamic energy within a serenely peaceful and quietly transcendent scene. Within the peaceful blue of the mountains, the peaks are reflecting the fiery colours of the setting sun – even as the inhabitants of this spiritual realm reflect the spiritual fire both within themselves and within this exalted community. Many of Roerich’s paintings depicting Shambhala include this mountain range (Greatest and Holiest of Tangla, Sacred Tangla, Thang-La, & Song of Shambhala).

 Stroked bowls alongside bowed PAISTE Sound Discs (Planicerv) and a sequence of beautiful, heartfelt, warm and gentle bowls weaving their way through this floating ethereal soundscape from within the very centre helping to make sure that we don't lose our basic humanity whilst coming into contact with these finer vibrations and spiritual impulses.

 

MAITREYA ON THE ROAD.   (Volume 1)

Courtesy of the Nicholas Roerich Museum, New York

To listen please click HERE

In MAITREYA ALONG THE ROAD we are high up in the Himalayas and along this road, or pass, we suddenly encounter a statue of the Coming Buddha; the Lord Maitreya. Maitreya is linked to this New Age of Aquarius, which is an Air sign, which the ancients associated with the principle of Thought, and this is another reason that the wind is there at the beginning, throughout the duration, and at the close of the piece. It is as if the entire experience has arisen within the mountain winds – within the One Mind.

The music begins with wind (a recording made by myself and not edited at all) and then the sound of various Camel bells (somewhat simulating Yak bells) to imply a caravan approaching. At one point in time an individual amongst the group sees this statue and then enters into a kind of reverie. After this mystical communion with the Image of Maitreya the individual turns to pondering what this New Era will potentially bring to humankind. The promise of this future epoch, ever-present throughout many centuries of time, is likewise contemplated - temporal time and Sacred time are juxtaposed. Then our caravan has passed the site and we hear once again the sound of Yak bells, etc and finally the wind and carving remain ever serving to remind us of those essential and enduring values in Life.  

 

For more details regarding Volume 1 and a complete listing of all of the tracks - please click HERE

 

 

(C) Copyright by Frank Perry 1996. All rights reserved.

 

© Frank Perry, 1996. All of these articles are copyright. They may individually be copied and shared with others in a spirit of knowledge-sharing and fair play, but they may not be sold, printed or reproduced in quantity or changed in form without the permission of the copyright holder. None of this material may be reproduced in workshops or lectures of any kind unless quotes are credited or properly attributed.  

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