Kitaro Inspiring peace with music

29 March 2009, 18:00 PM

Kavita Charanji, New Delhi

The Japanese musician is considered one of the architects of New Age music.

In a world torn asunder by hatred and violence, this clearly is an opportune time for the resurgence of the Gandhian principles of 'ahimsa' (non-violence) and compassion. Brilliant Japanese composer and multi-instrumentalist Kitaro (born Masanori Takahashi) is obviously thinking along these lines. As part of his Love and Peace Tour 2009, the Grammy and Golden Globe winner delighted the Delhi audience with a spellbinding concert. As he asserts, “My message is from the heart. The aim is to enable people to connect. You could say that I want to create music that eases the war within.” And Kitaro did that from the dramatic start. By turns contemplative, serene, subtle and at times full of verve and passion, his music was both uplifting and soothing. Sometimes it seemed that we in the audience had been transported to a higher realm of being. Effortlessly fusing Japanese forms, western music and amazing electronics, the composer effortlessly changed multiple exotic instruments -- Taiko drums, gong, prayer bowls, water phone, double flute, wave drum, synths and Tibetan horn. And his repertoire extends to Indian instruments also -- the sitar, sarangi and tambura. The Japanese musician, who now resides in the US, is one of the architects of New Age music. He has earned wide international recognition for his eclectic compositions: The Golden Globe (Best Original Score) for his music in Oliver Stone's 1993 film, titled "Heaven on Earth" and a Grammy for "Thinking of You" (Best New Age Album) in 2000. Kitaro's concert was preceded by some skilful music by 'Sitar Funk' artiste Niladri Kumar, the son and disciple of sitar maestro Pandi Kartik Kumar. The innovative sitar player is also the inventor of the 'zitar', a five string electronic sitar. As he went from one piece to another, he clearly added zing to the concert. Particularly moving was his rendering of the bhajan "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram." Kitaro, in turn, has many ongoing projects -- all dedicated to peace and spirituality. In the wake of September 11, the artiste began recording "Sacred Journey of Ku-kai," a series of peace-themed three albums (to be extended in the future). His inspiration comes from a classical Buddhist pilgrimage to 88 sacred temples in Japan's remote Shikoku island, a journey undertaken by the beloved Buddhist monk Ku-Kai, over a millennium ago. Nature, says Kitaro, is a constant source of inspiration. “I used to live in the mountains and my creativity stems from nature. Some of my songs are like clouds, others like water.” He is also immersed in an instrumental project with his friend Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead band. Kitaro is acquainted with Indian musicians Zakir Hussain and Amjad Ali Khan. After Delhi his Love and Peace Tour 2009 stopped in Dubai. Earlier it had wound its way to Greece, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This correspondent had the chance for a quick one on one interview with Kitaro. Asked about Bollywood, he looked blank. Likewise, Tagore and Rabindra Sangeet were unfamiliar terrain for this maestro. Nevertheless he was fascinated to learn about the great bard and Shantiniketan. Surely if Kitaro extended his tour to other conflict ridden countries in the region, his universal message of love, peace and healing will be heard where it is most needed.