Quartet (1961) Memories of Sri Lanka (score & parts) - OB/STG3

1. Chant- The Fishermen of Negombo. Negombo is a fishing village on the West coast of Sri Lanka, 22 miles north of colombo. The fishermen of Negombo are of South Indian descent, but are now converted to Catholicism. They still use outrigger canoes called oruvas. The salt water lagoon is famous for its lobsters, crabs, and prawns. The fishermen at the lagoon stand on stilts, and can sometimes be heard chanting a pre-dawn chorus, creating an atmosphere of calm and tranquility. 

2. Pastorale- The Gardens of Patipola. Patipola is a hill station near Bandarawela. At the right time of year a profusion of Acacias and Rhododendrons can be found in the gardens.

3. Dance Scherzo- Kataragama. Kataragama is a religious center on the edge of Ruhunu National Park, commonly known as Yala, in the south east of the island. At carious times of year it is awash with pilgrims of every religion, Hundus, Buddhists, and Muslims, practicing a variety of rituals. 

4. Burlesque- The Dances of Ravanna. Ravanna, the demon king and ruler of the underworld in the great Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana, tricked Rama into hunting a magical deer. Meanwhile, he abducted Sita, Rama's wife, and carried her off to the Island of Lanka and hid her in a cave near the great falls at Ella. With the help of Hanuman, the king of the monkeys and his army, Ravanna was discovered and slain and the captive Sita rescued. 

Edited by John Wilcox