Mass people sometimes feel at a loss when they hear the term ‘classical music’, which is usually rendered in Hindi or Urdu for
the ‘elites’ in the sub-continent.
But, such perception is not always true as many quality raga-based Bangla songs have been composed, which can entertain even the common people.
Leading and promising singers of the country entertained the audience on Tuesday at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy presenting such 14 raga-based Bangla songs at the auditorium of the National Art Gallery.
Seven singers, including Kahirul Anam Shakil and Leena Taposhi Khan, rendered raga-based Bangla songs composed by Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Salil Chowdhury, Ajay Chakrabothy and Tulshi Lahiri.
Keeping the authenticity of lyric and tune the singers also presented some Bangla versions of the Urdu raga-based songs.
The programme began with promising singer Abhik Dev’s rendition of Tagore song Basonti hey bhuban mohini based on the raga basanta panchami.
Main attractions of the programme were Kahirul Anam Shakil’s and Leena Taposhi Khan’s presentations. Another young singer Mohammad Shoib also entertained the audience presenting a Nazrul song Borosha oi elo borosha based on raga miyan-ki-malhar.
Khairul Anam Shakil did not, however, present any Nazrul song at the programme. With his delicate voice modulation Shakil captivated the audience with his presentation of Koyelia gaan thama ebar, which is basically a Bangla version of popular Urdu ghazal rendered by legendary Pakistani singer Begum Akter, based on raga manj khamaj.
The singer also moved the audience presenting a sentimental song Amay bolona bhulite bolona, which had been composed by Tulshi Lahiri based on raga bihag.
The song, based on raga bihag, is sometimes misinterpreted as Nazrul song, explained Khairul Anam Shakil to the audience.
Leena Taposhi Khan entertained the audience presenting two Nazrul songs. The skilled singer’s presentation of Modhur minoti shono ghano shyam based on raga jounpuri was unique for its improvisation on the raga by repeating the first line of the song in different notes.
Her presentation of another Nazrul song Asiya kachhe gele phire, based on raga misra khambaj, was also entertaining.
Other pleasing presentations on the day were Tumi amar sokal belar sur, Je rat-e mor duarulo and Jhanana jhanana baje performed respectively by Mahmudul Hasan, Semanti Manjari and Bijan Mistry.
Earlier, in a discussion session director of music and dance department of Shilpakla Academy Sohrab Uddin mentioned the plans of the academy to patronise classical music.
The audience, who enjoyed the show, appreciated the endeavour. ‘It is quite a unique programme. I enjoyed it very much,’ said Rahat Mustafiz, an audience.
‘I request Shilpakala to organise more such programmes,’ said another audience Rezaul Karim.
-With New Age input
