Melanie Spanswick

Chakra Suite

The Chakra Suite, dedicated to clarinettist Nadia Barbosa and pianist Yuki Negishi, was written in June/July 2020. The work contains seven movements, with each representing the character of the seven chakras; from the bright solidity of the Root Chakra, and the pulsating heart-beat of the Heart Chakra, through to the frenetic 'chatty' quality of the Throat Chakra, and the finality and defiance of the Crown Chakra. I hope the music offers a snap-shot of this interesting, ancient energy system.

The origins of the seven chakras are deeply rooted in Eastern spiritual traditions. The Chakras are considered the basis of human existence and the human chakra system is commonly accepted as seven energy 'centres' stretching physically from the spine to the crown of the head.

This system is also representative of disparate aspects of life, and their function might be described in various terms encompassing the psychological, physical, energetic and spiritual. In keeping with Hindu traditions, the Sanskrit chakra title for each of the seven energy centres is often used alongside its Western name.

1. Muladhara - Root Chakra
The Root Chakra sits at the base of the spine; it's colour is red, and it's element is earth. It is responsible for instigating a sense of safety, security on this earthly journey, and it also provides the foundation or solid 'base' needed in life. The word Muladhara breaks down into two Sanskrit words: Mula meaning "root" and Adhara, which means "support" or "base."

2. Svadhisthana - Sacral Chakra
The Sacral Chakra is located at the sacrum, hips, and reproductive organs; it's colour is orange, and it's element is water. This chakra is connected to emotions, creativity, and senses. It's also related to one-on-one relationships and deep connections to others. The word Svadhisthana breaks down to "Swa", meaning self, and "adhishthana", established.

3. Manipura - Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus is located at the abdomen, mid-back, and side body. It's colour is yellow, and element, fire. This chakra is associated with thoughts and feelings about oneself; it is essentially concerned with the relationship one has with oneself. Manipura means "city of jewels" or "lustrous gem".

4. Anahata - Heart Chakra
The Heart Chakra is located in the body at the heart, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, and upper back; it's colour is green, and it's element, Air. This chakra is associated with love in all its forms; from kindness to strangers, romantic love, compassion for others, friendship, family love, and self-love. Anahata translates as "unhurt, unstruck, and unbeaten".

5. Vishudha - Throat Chaka
The Throat Chakra manifests at the throat, neck, mouth, jaw, and ears; it's colour is blue and it's element, sound. This chakra is linked to communication, expression, speaking, and knowing when to stay quiet; it relates to the ability to understand and speak one's inner truth. Visshudha means "especially pure".

6. Ajna - Third-eye Chakra
The Third-eye Chakra physically manifests at the centre of the forehead in the space between the eyebrows; it's colour is indigo and it's connected to the element of light. The third-eye chakra is associated with intuition, imagination, inner wisdom, insight and the sub-conscious mind. It also relates to the ability to see deep within oneself. When the third-eye chakra is open, we are able to grasp the 'bigger picture', leading to a more positive view of the future. Ajna translates as "authority" or "command".

7. Sahasrara - Crown Chakra
The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and skull; it's colour is white or violet. This chakra is associated with the sense of enlightenment and is related to one's sense of place in the universe. The energy from the Crown Chakra nourishes the body, mind, and spirit, and it distributes this energy throughout the physical body. Sahasrara means "thousand-petaled".