What is ‘Papara’ music?
The Papara also known as ‘Molam’ is a style of music native to Sri Lanka with South Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. It is musically rich with rhythmic patterns, especially polyrhythms played on a variety of percussion instruments and melodious tunes close to the heart of locals played mainly on the Trumpet with the occasional addition of other wind instruments such as the Trombone and Saxophone. The Papara music is usually played in sporting events and cultural events such as the perahera, weddings, and social gatherings. It is safe to say that it has the potential to make, not only a Sri Lankan, but anyone dance to its 6/8 groove.
What This Research Is About
Papara music holds a significant
cultural and musical heritage in Sri Lanka, yet there is a notable absence of
high-quality recordings that capture its live energy and essence. This research
aims to address these gaps by exploring innovative sound engineering techniques
and genre fusion to elevate the standards of Papara music. Through a
collaborative effort between sound engineers and musicians, this research aims
to establish new benchmarks for Papara music recording and genre fusion. By
documenting and disseminating findings, it seeks to inspire future generations
of musicians and researchers to further innovate within the realm of traditional
Sri Lankan music.
Research Objectives
- Improve Papara Recording Techniques
through innovative sound engineering practices.
- Explore the integration of Papara
music with Jazz to expand its stylistic range and creative possibilities.
- Investigate how Jazz influences can
enhance Papara music, focusing on improvisation, harmonic structures, and
rhythmic elements.
- Develop new forms of Papara
compositions by incorporating elements like harmony and bass lines.
- Facilitate rudimentary music
education and training methods through detailed analysis and documentation.
- Disseminate
acquired knowledge to diverse communities in Sri Lanka and internationally.
Method of the Research
Practice-based research will serve
as the core methodology for this project. Collaborative sessions will involve
Papara bands, seasoned sound engineers, and versatile musicians recognized for
their expertise in the industry. All participants, driven by a shared passion
for Papara music, will engage in pre and post-production interviews,
supplemented by comprehensive videotaping and multitrack audio recordings. All
the processes will be videotaped & audio will be multi-track recorded.
Phase 1: Sound Engineering
Collaboration
- Assemble a team of proficient sound engineers experienced in diverse musical genres, including Papara.
- Conduct collaborative recording sessions to capture the live energy and authenticity of Papara music.
- Experiment with various sound engineering techniques, such as mic placement and room acoustics, to optimize sound quality and fidelity.
Phase 2: Genre Fusion Experimentation
- Explore innovative genre fusion possibilities with Papara music
- Arrange and perform compositions that blend Papara with Jazz elements, emphasizing mutual influence and creative innovation.
- Analyze audience reception and musician feedback to assess the success and potential of genre fusion approaches.
Importance of this project
This research aims to enhance and
promote Papara music by improving recording quality and exploring genre fusion.
It addresses gaps in sound engineering and integrates diverse musical
influences to elevate Papara music to international standards while preserving
its cultural authenticity. Collaboration between engineers and musicians will
set new benchmarks, inspiring future innovation in Sri Lankan music.
Playing Papara music has historically faced resistance from conservative music circles in Sri Lanka, hindering its broader acceptance and development. Many musicians and artists, while enjoying Papara music, have been hesitant to fully embrace it as a distinct genre. This reluctance, compounded by a lack of recognition and professional opportunities, has stifled the growth of Papara music. I firmly believe that Papara music represents a profound Sri Lankan heritage, encapsulating the essence of the island's soul. With proper guidance, it has the potential to reach new heights. The knowledge gained through my research underscores this potential. Elevating Papara music could positively impact Sri Lankan culture and economy, particularly in enhancing the tourism sector and creating new job opportunities once it evolves into a lucrative industry.
by Nuwan Gunawardhana
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