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A REVIEW OF ERIC SOANS DEVOTIONAL HYMNS CD IN KONKANI –
TU-RU-RU-TTU-TTU
In particular
it was a anxious wait for most of us – Eric Soans admirers… and in
general to the people of Barkur and around, to hear his beautiful
hymns in a CD and ultimately it is in our hands, on that special
day, 17th December, 2008 - during the solemn Mass of
Parish Feast of Barkur Church, got released in the blessed hands
of H.E. Rt. Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary
diocese, who also seen talented Eric Soans growing from childhood
days in late 70’s, during his days at Barkur parish, must be happy
now to see Eric’s pen, devotion and voice now grown fuller with
age……
As I heard
all good and praise about the unique work from many mouths, at
natives and elsewhere, and even in Muscat, thought some of our
valued visitors find time to express the same here in their own
Barkur-on-line pages. No doubt, preoccupation with our own
busy schedules doesn’t allow us to spend time for others, but it
is my feeling that a word of appreciation and encouragement to a
deserved artist, who spent lot of time, energy and resources, is
also our obligation…. I know it for sure, Eric is a person will
not wait for such praise or favors… instead I understand he is
already on the next job to work on next assignment, to present one
more CD in October 2009.
By the way, I
will not use this space to review his work – me not a competent
authority to do so even, instead sincerely write what I felt.
‘Tu-ru-ru-ttu-tttu’ to say, let
us praise and glorify the Lord even in these ways….so a catchy
line, though the title, bit like tongue twister…to pronounce at
once!
It starts
with a wonderful introduction……and followed by the first hymn –
Mandir Somia Tujen Mandhir……and the next Somia Konna lagin
Voson Ami, wonderful compilation….sung to the best tunes by
best singers!
For me, each
and every hymn in this CD is better than the previous one………..once
you go on to listen attentively…..it impress us on many levels –
lyrical ingenuity, melodic beauty, prefect and orderly arrangement
of hymns….best suited singers and chorus….above all the enchanting
music, organized by Gladson Ravindra - something really
different……
A comparison
is surely not necessary….as all twelve tracks are memorable and
equally tuneful but it’s the following four are extremely good for
many reasons.
Hi Kannik Bhetavnchak Bapa by Sangeetha
Balachandra
Kalljanth Ailya Somya Argan – Harriet
Braganza & Meera Crasta
Santannache Udhari – Herriot
Braganza & Ivy D’Souza
Thun Zavnasai Khadap Bhavarthacho – by
all familiar Barkurian voices – Eric, Kishore, Praveen & Naveen
Dias
Why the above
stand apart because – the first two are filled with passion and
well translated and well suited to be used and sung during
contemporary Holy Mass and Church Service.
Third one
bring back the scene Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mother Mary so
live and the beauty of words need a special mention – This is just
a small example of Eric’s literary and Biblical knowledge – ‘sodvonnecho
suryo udevnchya fuden molbar fantya sukru udela’ – one can see
poet in Eric Soans in these similes and metaphors….just go to next
stanza – ‘hya fhulanbhari kar amchin kalzan maye, navn tujen
thin gazavandeeth’. The tune, music and singing
exemplary……..anyone’s heart and mind fill with joy and veneration
to Mother Mary….
I don’t know,
whether me too possessive to say the last one icing on the cake –
‘Thun Zavn asai Khoddap Bhavarthacho…’
I do
understand there must not be many Konkani hymns in honor of St.
Peter, our patron and Eric made good the perennial demand for
one and I am sure it will be sung in our Church for many years,
decades, centuries to come!!
All singers
given their best performance – Naveen Dais sings Bhajan way
to his solo – ‘Ye moja somiya’ a soft sensitive tune….’Konnalagin
Voson Ami’ both by Adolph and again by Sangeeta came out so
lively……’Jezu Jivanth Zala’ in Alwyn Noronha’s voice too
refreshing…..Vijay Vaz voice well suited for ‘Kallzanth Mojya
Ye Somiya……’A harmony of well suited music, voice and rhythm
and a prefect recording.
Eric Soans
made a roaring debut in religious hymn industry, composing
meaningful, devout hymns and superb music to make it
attractive……and all who stood by him in this laborious enterprise,
as he acknowledged so politely in the cover page also deserve
kudos.
Marketing of
this CD must not be a problem; Barkur though located some 60 km
north of Mangalore Eric Soans is not strange to Konkani Literary
world. Moreover, anyone once listens to this work; spread a word
in the neighborhood. It’s a fact me and my friend John F.
Gonsalves were handed over some 50 odd pieces and very happy
to state here that all are sold out….. And we are very proud to
say it received an overwhelming reception in Muscat and equally
encouraging feedback and this shows the CD is not just occupying a
place in the library or shelf, but it’s moving……
No doubt,
Eric has registered a landmark success in his first attempt, we
congratulate him, his team as well…. and also hope still better
works in praise of Lord will take shape in his hands in days to
come….
On behalf of Barkur-on-line Team & ICYM Barkur Ex-Members
Association,
P. Archibald Furtado
– Muscat –
14/03/2009. |
