Profile of a flutist
In conversation with M Moniruzaman
Ershad Kamol
M Moniruzzaman is one of the leading flutists in the country at present. A staff artist of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Monir has acquired mastery over several wind instruments including banshi, silver flute, saxophone, supra-saxophone, recorder and Chinese flute. Besides performing at solo classical recitals he provides sangat (accompaniment) to singers. He also likes to experiment with fusion music.Passion for flute is a family tradition to Monir. His father Ustad Abdur Rahman was a renowned flutist, who played a key role in establishing the use of banshi in modern music. Ustad Abdur Rahman worked with veteran music composers including Khan Ataur Rahman, Shujeo Shyam, Debu Bhattacharjee and Alahuddin Ali. M Moniruzzaman took flute lessons from his father for 17 years since 1973. To quote him, "My father wanted at least one of his offspring to master the art of flute-playing. He used to teach banshi to students and I would learn without him knowing or his consent. However, when he got to know about my growing keenness for banshi, he was glad." His father showed Monir the proper distribution of 10 that in North Indian classical music, employing which anyone can create new raga. Monir said, "Because I have a profound understanding of that and ragas, my renditions appeal to the audience." So far Monir has released three solo albums -- Shomokal, Egaro and Destination -- produced by Tonatuni. Shomokal is based on classical music in which Monir has fused different ragas including jog, emon, bagesree and madhubondi. In Egaro, Monir has played the instrumental versions of eleven popular patriotic songs. Destination features Sufism based folk music. The artiste said, "I'm grateful to Tonatuni, especially Mahbubur Rahman Joinal for producing these albums, as most major production houses consider instrumental music 'unprofitable'." As far as performances are concerned, Moniruzzaman is a busy flutist. Almost everyday he accompanies singers at programmes -- classical or folk music. Articulating his passion for the instrument, Monir said, "I play wind instruments because it entertains me and satiates my creative craving. I'm fascinated by the variations in tones of different instruments." Monir also likes to experiment with the instruments. Currently he performs in a fusion music based programme, aired on Channel 1. On the programme, Monir said, "Usually folk artistes begins a song and I along with other instrumentalists play the interlude to add a western flavour." As a member of delegates, Moniruzzaman has performed in several countries including Russia, Germany, China, Denmark and Yugoslavia.
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