7 Freedom and peace
This last theme is titled Freedom and peace and represents the last stages of life. This theme is influenced by the Buddhist approach to dying that Mr Nuchhe Bahadur Dangol shared in our classes in Kathmandu. Thus are connecting with the topics and audios shared in the first theme of the Seeds referring to the breath as a symbol of life. He was emphasizing on the importance of the breathing and its expansion of energy to the universe. Moreover, these made me aware of the meaningful seeds my grandfather had planted in me and I understood his death as a transformation and a release for him.
Within this theme, El Cant dels Ocells, a Catalan traditional song is present because of its multiple uses for funerals, as well as christmas or as a freedom hymn. The melody of the song carries important meaning as I remember all my loved ones. This song is also a very important connection to my culture. I could have chosen a Nepali traditional song, but this one felt more right and honest for me.
At the very beginning of the process I planned to perform a solo arrangement of this song, sitting by the tree logs symbolizing the transformative cyclic journey. As the process developed, Neus, the english horn player, and later Michal on the voice joined. Neus, who has also been living in Catalonia, already knew the song and its relevant meaning for the catalan culture, and we didn’t need to go through a learning process. We had to agree on how to play the melody, which key was good, and develop a second harmony. The idea of adding the voice of Michal came by realizing that the specific colour of her voice was matching very well with what the music needed. By listening to the recording of Neus and me I just heard the voice of my friend and classmate Michal. This concert was a very special occasion and involving two of my best friends in this last song was special and symbolises for me as well the meaningful and rich friendships builded during this period of studies.
Going back to the movement on stage, after the sixth theme of Harvest of wishes I moved again to the first position as I started on stage and slowly Neus and Michal joined. This theme ended by singing all together and celebrating gratitude for this life. As a last thing, I asked everybody in the audience to think about a wish. With these seconds of silence we ended the performance.