Classical music practice in the country is not satisfactory, despite the fact the country has a rich history in classical music, observes a seminar held on Saturday at the Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi.
Musicologist Alimur Rahman Khan in his keynote speech gives the opinion that both classical music practice and musicians have not been patronised rather to some extent the music genre and the musicians have been ignored over the past years.
As a result, the country lacks quality musicians and good listeners required for holding concerts on classical music on regular basis to make the genre more vibrant, observes Alimur Rahman Khan.
Khan, in his 50-minute lecture, did not only address the problems prevailing in the country regarding the genre but he also suggested some specific solutions to revive the lost glory of classical music.
It is to be mentioned that classical musicians having Bangladeshi origin like Ustad Alauddin Khan, Ustad Ayat Ali Khan and their family members played an important role of developing the Hindustani Classical ragas in the subcontinent.
But, the talented musicians of the family have migrated to India considering the country not sustainable for practicing the music genre.
The seminar titled Shilpi, Shrota O Raga Rahosya (singer, listener and the mystery of the ragas) was organised as part of Bengal Shilpalaya’s one and
half month-long lecture series on music and dance forms.
In his lecture Alimur Rahman Khan observes that the joy of raga comes through the perfect synchronisation of the musicians, music and listeners.
Classical music needs a little attentive listening on the part of the listeners, and a lot of meditation on the singers’ part, said Alimur Rahman Khan.
‘To grasp and perform a raga accurately, a singer must open his heart, not intellect, to the nuances of sounds. For that, he/she needs to have the required static soul,’ added Alimur Rahman Khan.
Commenting on the importance of the audience he said, ‘Those who have the ears to listen to silence can enjoy the subtle aesthetics and unbound joy of raga music.’
Alimur Rahman Khan also observes that the classical music has not been turned obsolete rather has demand. ‘The last year’s success of the classical music programme jointly organised by Bengal Foundation and Indian music academy ITC-SRA at the Army stadium indicates that the audience are much interested in classical music,’ said Alimur Rahman Khan.
For a better future of the music genre, Khan calls for organising more concerts and developing the skill of the musicians through establishment of research centre like the Sangeet Research Academy in India.
Following the keynote paper presentation the audience took part in a lively discussion session and also shared their opinions to overcome the problem.
They also called for more ptaronisation from the government and private sectors to create the necessary environment for classical music where musicians can survive with dignity.
Following the lecture and the discussion, a documentary titled A Luminous Jewel: Pt Birju Maharaj was screened.
The 95 minutes documentary showed the life, arts and activities of Pt Birju Maharaj, eminent dancer of Kathak.
-With New Age input
