My Favourite Singer - Pandit W. D. Amaradeva

Most of my friends say I have a very classical music taste. When look in to my favourite singers list Pandit Amaradewa is the most favourite singer of all time.

Sri Lankabhimanya Wannakuwattawaduge Don Albert Perera better known by his adopted name Amaradeva, was a prominent Sri Lankan Sinhalese vocalist, violinist and composer. Primarily using traditional instruments like sitars, tablas and harmoniums, he incorporated Sinhala folk music with Indian ragas in his work. Many consider his contribution to the development of Sinhala music as unmatched; hence, he is occasionally cited as the "Maestro of Sri Lankan Music".

Born a prodigy, Amaradeva began playing the violin at the age of seven. He was soon singing and composing his own music, and by thirteen was performing on the radio. He gained recognition as an innovative and versatile artist at a very young age and embarked on his musical career in 1947. Amaradeva later obtained training in classical music at the prestigious Bhatkande Institute of Music in Lucknow, India.

 

The year 1948 was a time when Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was just emerging as an independent nation and the question of what is Sri Lankan music was being addressed with equal vigour by intellectuals, artists and the general public. In response to the spirit of the times Amaradeva began working on indigenous folk music embellished with Indian ragas, thus giving expression to a more sophisticated cadence. In other innovations, he experimented with Western harmony and counterpoint and with South Indian and Tamil musical forms. A highpoint in his musical career was the work he did with Sri Lanka’s most celebrated lyricist Mahagama Sekera in exploring the contours of fusing classical Sinhala poetry with a new musical intonation. In time, Amaradeva’s music came to reflect an entire philosophy, reflective of the spirit of a nation. The borrowed and indigenous influences, thus created a uniquely Sri Lankan synthesis.

 

Maestro Amaradeva’s repertoire of musical compositions, done over a period of 50 years, displays an astonishing variety and prolificacy. He has composed music for ballet, film, theatre, radio and television, and has written over one thousand songs. His fluid, resonant voice has won him fans through many generations. The Maestro has performed in many countries and has been honoured with several international accolades including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Excellence and India’s prestigious Padma Sri Award.

 

Famous Sri Lankan composer W.D. Amaradeva wrote the tune for the Maldivian anthem in 1971.

Amaradeva died at the age of 88 on 3 November 2016 due to heart failure. A state funeral was held by the government, followed by a week of national mourning.

Thank you very much.....

Blog by :- Hasindu Withanage

(Mu/21/015) 

(Undergraduate at University of the visual and Performing Arts) 

(Faculty of Music)