Cosmic Lotus, Rising

Abstract

Cosmic Lotus, Rising is a seventeen-minute, multi-movement experimental intercultural work for North Indian tabla and a fourteen-instrument chamber ensemble. This piece integrates playing styles from cosmopolitan classical music of European origin (US tradition), North Indian classical music (Lucknow lineage) and South Indian classical music. In this piece, I focus on the poignant image of the lotus flower, which ascends from the murky depths of desire and attachment to bloom in the light of realization. As one of India’s most recognizable flowers, the lotus is a symbol of creation and spiritual enlightenment. Its long stalk symbolizes the connection with its origins while the flower represents the enlightenment that human beings seek. In each movement, I utilize and integrate taal rhythm cycle structures to inform orchestration, melody, and harmony. This piece explores the concept of a lotus flower emerging, rising, and dancing, as love, growth, and cosmic energy make manifest.