An Ode to Benaras

Bengal Foundation recently launched an audio CD titled An Ode to Benaras, featuring semi-classical music including thumri, dadra, chaiti and kajri by the talented artiste Suchisree Ray. Apart from receiving extensive training in khayal and thumri, Suchisree Ray’s years as a senior disciple of well-known musicologist Pt Kumar Prasad Mukherji propelled her interest in research and experimentation.

As a tribute to the stalwarts -- Badi Moti Bai, Siddheswari Devi, Rasoolan Bai and Kashi Bai – the CD starts off with a chaiti titled Eri Thaiyan Motiyaa Heraye Gaili, set on raga Mishra Jhinjhoti. The piece, originally sung by Badi Moti Bai, describes the bereavement of a young bride whose husband is in a far-away place.

The second track, a dadra, Guiya Mose Bharawe Gagariya, is based on raga Pancham Se Gara. It was originally rendered by Siddheswari Devi. Next, Kankara Mohe Lag Jaihe Naar, is another dadra on raga Mishra Piloo, which was originally sung by Rasoolan Bai.

The fourth track Teri Kaatily Nigaho Ne Mara is also a dadra, originally sung by Kashi Bai. In the song, a woman narrates her endearment towards her lover whose enticing eyes keep her on her toes.

The following track, Bhig Jau Mein Piya, is a Mishra Khamaj kajri, which was originally performed by Siddheswari Devi. The final song is a thumri, Muraliya Kaun Gumaan Bhari, set on raga Manj Khamaj. It was originally rendered by Siddheswari Devi as well. In the thumri, the singer describes the attributes of an enchanting flute. Here, the flute is personified as Lord Krishna and in describing it, the singer expresses her desire for his love.

Suchisree Ray has a Master’s degree in English Literature. She is a scholar and recipient of a junior fellowship in classical music from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and is an enlisted artiste of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC). Her mellifluous voice, encompassing a rich blend of emotions, has enthralled audiences all over the world. Apart from being a successful performer, Suchisree Ray is acknowledged as a good music trainer, as well as an accomplished writer, painter and publisher.