A musical treat for Tagore aficionados

Bangladesh National Museum and “Raktakarabi”, a Chittagong-based cultural organisation, held a special musical programme titled, “Berey Othar Obolombon”, featuring Tagore songs, prose and poems in the main auditorium of the national museum on Friday.

Dr Ghulam Murshid, renowned researcher and litterateur, spoke at the event as the chief guest while Dr Shihab Shahriar, keeper (department of education) of the national museum, delivered the welcome speech.

Poet and essayist Abul Momen compiled the entire programme while noted singer Shila Momen directed music for the programme.

“We are delighted to jointly organise this special event with Raktakarabi. Tagore was not only a poet but also an essayist, short story writer, novelist, musician, playwright and a world-class painter,” said Dr Shahriar.

“Rabindranath Tagore is comparable to no one. His songs and poems have such a quality that can rejuvenate a person. Tagore songs are predominantly based on insightful and philosophical lyrics. During his stay in the UK, Tagore listened to many Scottish and Irish folk melodies, and based on those, he later composed his own songs,” said Dr Ghulam Murshid.

The special musical event followed. Artistes of “Raktakarabi” rendered several Tagore songs, recited his poems and pieces of prose. Choreographed by Tamanna Rahman, artistes of "Nritym" danced with live performance of three songs.

The event set off with a choral performance of the song "Darao Mon Ananta" and wrapped up with the presentation of another choral song "Kanna Hashir Dol Dolano".

In the middle, Shila Momen, trainer and organiser of “Raktakarabi”, performed a “swadesh parjaye” song "Sarthak Janam Amar".

Among the solo singers of the troupe, Satyajit Ghosh rendered "Saghano Gahano Ratrir", Subrata Das presented "Boro Bedonar Moto" and Shami Shurhid sang "Taar Haat-e Chhilo".

Dancers of “Nritym” performed with the song "Bajilo Kahar Veena", rendered by Sristi Barua. They also performed with songs -- "Bajey Bajey Rommo Veena" and "Aj Dhaner Kehet-e".

Jinat Islam and Rashed Hasan lent their voices to the recitation of Tagore poems including "Beerpurush" and "Nirjhorer Swapno Bhongo" and some parts of his prose.