Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Musicology / Ethnomusicology / Cultural Studies

Book Review:
Ethnomusicology and Ethnomusicological Aspects of Sri Lanka is a seminal work by C. de S. Kulatillake, a pioneering figure in the field of ethnomusicology in Sri Lanka. This book is the culmination of a lifetime of scholarship and research into the traditional music and dance forms of the island.

Kulatillake's credentials are exceptional: he studied Esraj at Visva-Bharati University and trained in ethnomusicology under Professor Josef Kuckertz at the University of Cologne. He served as Head of the Sinhala Music Research Unit at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation for nearly 17 years, during which he produced two award-winning works in Sinhala. He also represented Sri Lanka at international music conferences and served as Chairman of the Music Panel of the Sri Lanka Arts Council.

The book itself is divided into two parts: an introduction to the discipline of ethnomusicology, followed by a detailed exploration of Sri Lankan ethnomusicological aspects. Kulatillake draws on his extensive research and practical experience to illuminate the rich traditions of Sinhala music and dance. His work has been recognized as a lasting contribution to the study and understanding of traditional Sri Lankan music.

This book is essential reading for students of musicology, ethnomusicology, and Sri Lankan cultural studies. It is also a valuable resource for musicians, dancers, and anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.