A portrait of Narayan Gopal featuring the greatest singer in traditional Nepali dress, a coat over Daura and Suruwal (although only Daura is visible) with black Bhadgaunle cap. He is wearing his legendary glasses with thick rim and wears a soft smile.
Narayan Gopal Guruwacharya (Gurbacharya) is by far the most prominent and popular singer in Nepali music. Narayan Gopal is the name that comes first when people think of or talk about Nepali music. Although many recognize him as a singer, he was also an accomplished music composer. His voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre, often richly orchestrated with sitar, harmonium and flute.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Narayan Gopal photo by Min Bajracharya
Narayan Gopal's photo taken by journalist Min Bajracharya of Saptahik Manch, in Narayan Gopal's residence in Maharajgunj.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Narayan Gopal statue in Chakrapath, Kathmandu
This statue of Narayan Gopal is located at Narayan Gopal Chowk in Chakrapath, Kathmandu. The flower garland, red color, and the boutiques placed on and beside the statue were presented on his 21st death anniversary program held on December 5, 2011.
Photo credit: Nepal Diary blog. Click on the link to read more about the story of the statue and Ambar Gurung.
Ambar Gurung said, "Narayan Gopal used to drink a lot, sing with an open heart, and made us laugh. This statue constantly looks in a direction. Doesn't sing, There is no value of this statue of Narayan Gopal."
Amber Gurung adds slowly, "That is why, I don't walk this way these days."
Monday, December 5, 2011
Narayan Gopal death procession photo (historical photo)
A photo published in Gorkhapatra, showing a huge mass of people to say goodbye to the greatest singer in Nepali history.
Narayan Gopal died on December 5, 1990. Narayan Gopal has left a void in Nepali music, which hasn't yet been filled. Although the photo taken during the death procession of Narayan Gopal is not that clear and is taken from Gorkhapatra daily published at that time, it sure has a historical significance.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Remembring Narayan Gopal two decades after his death
Narayan Gopal died on December 5 of 1990 (19 Mangsir, 2047 B.S.) at 9 p.m. in Bir Hospital Kathmandu, at an age of fifty-one. He was suffering from diabetes but wouldn't follow strict dietary rules.
After his death, no other Nepali singer has been such a versatile singer. Narayan Gopal was also the first generation of Nepali singers who took music as a profession. Wide range of his voice range allowed him to sing songs of every genre of Nepali music.