Emotions 9
Jyotsna Srikanth & the String Ensemble/String Quartet
Europe’s foremost South Indian Carnatic Classical violinist Jyotsna Srikanth teams up with String Ensembles, to present an experimental ‘Emotions 9’.
Emotions 9 is 'Nine emotions experienced through nine Indian ragas & 9 movements'‘, with western arrangements for Indian violin. Emotions 9 or ‘Navarasa’ in Sanskrit creatively explores the 9 emotions humans depict.
Aim
To present a vibrant and true collaboration of Indian music with the western string orchestra using an adapted western instrument to Indian music, the violin to create a unique fusion of sounds. She can also collaborate with a string quartet if its easier.
Theme
‘Emotions 9’ or ‘Navarasa’ is the nine emotions of humans experienced through harmonic arrangements, orchestration and rich embellishments featuring Indian Ragas [modes] with generous sprinkling of Western harmony and arrangements. A unique ‘never-before’ exciting musical collaboration, bringing together the beauty of the pure Western and the Indian classical music, culminating with a major collaborative piece is a delight to the ears.
In Sanskrit ‘Nava’ means nine and 'Rasa' has many translations in English and the main ones are, essence, juice, nectar, taste, or sap, but Rasa is commonly used to denote the sense of an “emotional state.” The nine Rasas were (and are) the backbone of Indian aesthetics ever since they were codified in the Natyasastra (written sometime between 200 BC-300 AD) and they formed the foundation from which the traditions of dance, music, theatre, art and literature evolved. Performances and artwork were created solely with the aim of evoking the Rasas in the audience.
The 9 Rasas as described in ancient Indian aesthetic philosophy can be seen as being indicative of prime human emotions. Each Rasa is a repository of energy drawn from our Prana (life force).
By unlocking this powerful energy and then mastering it, we can effectively achieve emotional balance, and also use this energy to realize our true potential.
The 9 Rasas or Emotional Essences
1. Sringara (Love) – This is the ultimate Rasa; the crown emotion that heals anything. This Rasa frees the ego and connects us to devotional love. It is within each and every one of us and radiates throughout the cosmos.
2. Hasya (Joy) – This Rasa connects us to our sense of humor through laughter, happiness and contentment.
3. Adhuta (Wonder) – The curiosity, mystery and awe which occur when we become fascinated with the very idea of life. This Rasa is our playfulness and innocence.
4, Raudra (Anger) – When angry we go into the fire. One moment of anger can destroy a lifetime of good merit, so have respect for anger. When anger isn’t honored it can bring up irritation, violence and hatred.
5, Bhayanaka (Fear) – Also doubt, worry, insecurity etc. When we live our lives in fear, we shut down completely. One should overcome Bhayanaka with inner strength, love and truth.
6, Vibhasta (Disgust) – Self pity, loathing, self hatred. This Rasa characterizes the judgmental mind; only by cultivating loving-kindness can we heal and appease Vibhasta.
7. Veera (Courage) – Also bravery, confidence, determination, self-assurance and valor. Veera asserts itself when you call upon the warrior that lives inside you, its strong and vibrant.
8. Shanta (Peace) – This Rasa is reflected in deep calmness and relaxation. We can only find peace within.
9. Karuna (Compassion) – When we can experience another’s sadness and reflect it back to the cosmos, we then experience compassion. Compassion is what connects us all. Through compassion we can relate deeply and honestly with each other, it is the bridge between us and others and helps us understand and empathize with them.
The following is a link to a demo of one of the rasas, ‘Anger’ followed by realisation.