NO. 45.-1894.] THE MUSIC OP CEYLON. 



THE MUSIC OF CEYLON. 



By Mr. C. M. Fernando, b.a., ll.b.cantab., Advocate. 



Introductory. 



Nearly forty years ago Mr. Louis Nell wrote a Paper, which, 

 was read before this Society, by way of an introduction to an 

 investigation of Sinhalese music. This I believe to be the 

 only attempt that has yet been made to inquire into the 

 music of Ceylon.* My endeavour is in this and subsequent 

 Papers to do what I can to elucidate a subject which is yet 

 an unexplored region to those interested in Ceylon and its 

 people. It is my purpose to commence with observations 

 on the music of the Mechanics, or the Ceylon Portuguese, to 

 be followed by Papers dealing with the vocal music now in 

 vogue among the Sinhalese : their sacred music, the descrip- 

 tion and use of Sinhalese musical instruments, and the 

 cultivation of music as a fine art among the ancient Sinhalese. 



I. — The Music of the Mechanics of Ceylon. 



This Paper consists of a collection of the national tunes of 

 the Mechanics of Ceylon reduced into European notation, 

 prefaced by a few discursive remarks on their ethnology anil 

 habits and customs, such as would be of interest to the 

 student of their national music, of which tradition has 

 hitherto been the only vehicle. 



The Mechanics form a distinct portion of the inhabitants 

 of Ceylon, connected by ties of kindred, speaking a common 

 language, and possessing habits and customs as distinct as 



* Except a short Paper written by me and published in the Royal College 

 Magazine for July, 1883. 



