Lama Rangdrol Composes Symphony For World Peace:

 Dedicated to the alleviation of mothers' auffering in the world

Listen to Symphony

A refreshing message of Buddhist peace has arisen in the universal language of symphonic music. In addition to meditation and contemplation in a recent retreat, Lama Rangdrol also completed a symphonic work that has already touched the hearts of many people.

Choyin Rangdrol, Santa Cruz, CA 1996

The idea for the symphony began after Lama Rangdrol contemplated American Buddhism's state of mire in politic, privilege, and affluence. The message of Shakyamuni Buddha is for all human beings and transcends the interests of the few. It became apparent that a broader message of openness, universality and love could be made if the proper vehicle was found. Lama Rangdrol felt that the Dharma aspiration for world peace could be connected with the powerful experience of motherhood through the universal vehicle music. Few Dharma teachers can write a symphony, so Lama Rangdrol felt his qualification as a composer could make a unique contribution to American Buddhism and beyond. He was trained in classical music at the Redlands School of Music, California, in the late 1970's. During that time he studied with the first chair violinist of the Vienna Symphony, attended class with Aaron Copland, and studied composition with Barney Childs.

Choyin's Mother, Harlem, NYC c.1952

                                                                                                               University of Redlands, CA                             

The challenge was to create a musically accessible symphonic work that offers a glimpse of the transcendent mutuality of those engaged in great difference of opinion and action in our turbulent world. In short, a musical Lysistrata that places the heart of mothers above the divisiveness of war and peace politics.. The symphony begins with a string section of slowly moving harmonies that beckon solo violin into its embrace. After a brief caress, the two give way to a lyrically delicate oboe that entwines then gently yields to a hauntingly melodic bassoon. The middle section of the symphony sustains the bassoon melody through an increasing ebb of mid-range brass harmonies punctuated by mutedpercussion. With careful listening one can also hear a vibraphone ostinato throughout this section as it  all culminates in a cymbal crash pierced by solo trumpet sounding a taps-like dirge. Finally, the solo violin reasserts its aspiration for peace as the symphony closes with a musical appeal for the remembrance of mothers throughout the world.

                                                                                    Choyin's Grandmother, Nashville, TN c. 1930

Lama Rangdrol hopes that you will enjoy this offering and share it with lovers of peace, especially mothers, with whom we are eternally indebted.

Listen to Symphony

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