Beyond...

Beyond...

December 1996

By Life Positive

The reflections of a violin maestro

My wife Viji was my soul mate. She passed away in 1995 at the age of 40 after a protracted illness, but through it all she always smiled and inspired. She did not complain even once. In our nearly 20 years of marriage, she gifted me four beautiful children.

In a way, she prepared us all to deal with the death of a dear one. When my mother passed away in 1984, I composed Vedic Chants for Zubin Mehta; when my father died I composed Shantipriya (Beyond…). Viji often joked that I had created scores for those dear to me, so why do I not compose one for her as well. I then secretly composed Shreepriya (her full name was Vijayshree) and she smiled every time she listened to it.

Her smile over adversity taught us all a valuable lesson. Today, as I continue to trudge along, my music and my children claiming all of my being, I think of Viji. She is my goddess.

Actually I am interested in various gods and goddesses, I tend to treat them as my friends. Ganesha is dearest to me for he symbolizes the triumph against all odds. I venerate Venkateswara, or Vishnu, for he is the preserver of the universe.

All these gods, however, are more like traveling companions or relatives. My personal religion, if I can call it that, is to speak my truth gently, not to hurt anyone, and to try to be a good human being.

It may sound like a cliché, this good human being bit, but it is so difficult to be that in today’s world. There is so much strife and competition, with everyone trying to outdo each other.

My music involves me so completely that little else matters, but when it does, I try to keep away from all pettiness and jealousies. You could easily say my music is my life.

By L. Subramaniam