Guitar in tow, Ryal Sequeira is set to take off to Barcelona to pursue a master’s degree in architecture. Prior to that, this young classical guitarist is all set to perform a repertoire of compositions by Bach, Fernando Sor, Chopin, Agustin Barrios, Roland Dyens and John Duarte.
Playing classical pieces on the guitar is challenging, when compared to playing it on the piano and the violin. “The guitar neither has the range of the piano nor the sustenance of the violin,” explains Ryal, adding, “What makes it unique is that it lies somewhere in between the two. Both hands are in direct contact with the strings, so it is also a more personal instrument. It requires a certain controlled aggression to project sound and maintain clarity. Its boundaries, as an acoustic instrument, are being pushed even today in modern compositions.”
Mastering the art of classical guitar, playing is time consuming. “There are many guitarists in Bangalore, sadly, only a few play classical guitar. Those who do learn discontinue because of the time the instrument demands,” says Ryal, adding, “Among my favourites of the most-celebrated classical guitarists today are the Assad brothers (Brazil), John Williams (Australia), Manuel Barrueco (Cuba), Denis Azabagic (Bosnia), Eliot Fisk (Austria), Christopher Parkening (USA) and David Russell (Scotland). Guitarists from Asian countries such as the Four Angels Quartet (China), Kazuhito Yamashita (Japan), Ekachai Jearakul (Thailand) are also sought-after performers.”
Ryal has been interested in the guitar since he was five years old, but couldn’t begin that early. “My hands were too small so I began learning the recorder from Paulette Demello at the Bangalore School of Music. By age ten, I started the classical guitar under Kenneth Isaac. I was extremely fortunate to be constantly exposed to a great variety of music through concerts and recordings by both tutors who took a keen interest in my musical education,” he says.
Did Ryal put in hours of practice to master both instruments through his school years? “I confess I was rebellious and relied on sight reading most of the time to get through pieces of music. Although I enjoyed playing, I only practised when faced with an exam or being thrown out of class.”
Now, as a young grad, Ryal believes architecture, which he has a degree in and music are equals. “Architecture is very much like music in that they share the same principles. In the last two weeks, I have played for audiences including recovering addicts, cancer patients, children, destitute women and a few private house concerts. Most were new to the music I performed. I am more convinced now that good music does not need a specific venue, audience or time to be appreciated.
Ryal will perform at Opus, Palace Cross Road on September 10, 9 p.m. and at KalaRasa, Jayanagar 4th Block on September 14 at 7 p.m.
