Precision and refinement personified

Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay performs at the programme. Photo: Mumit M.

Sangeetacharya Pandit Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay performed at a musical soiree, titled "Dhrupodi Gaan-er Aashor" at Bengal Gallery on December 27.
The renowned musical exponent of Vishnupur Gharana performed two raaga -- "Yaman" and "Joge" -- followed by two thumri on "Raaga Khamaj".
Dr. Bandyopadhyay presented two bandish in each raaga. The rendition of "Yaman" started with bilambit ek taal and ended with madhya teen taal while the bandish, "Ali Main Tho Karu Kya" on "Raaga Joge" commenced with jhap taal and the other bandish, "Sajan Merey Ghar Aao" was on teen taal.
The pandit was truly in his elements during his thumri performances. The first thumri was on jaut taal (eight beat) and the second was on addha taal (sixteen beat).
Born (February 21, 1927) in a family of rich musical heritage, dating back to 150 years, Pandit Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay is among the most accomplished exponents of Khayal in this subcontinent. Son and disciple of Sangeetacharya Satya Kinkar Bandyopadhyay, the pandit is a 'Top' grade performer of All India Radio and Doordarshan.
A disciplined yet creative elaboration of the raaga, aesthetic and melodic vocal technique, clarity and unmatched precision of an underlying sense of rhythm, and overall a mature synthesis of cerebration and emotive content in his music, have taken his Khayal to new heights. The combination of artistry and an analytic mind has made him a natural guru who carefully nurtures the inner talents of a pupil. Many of his students are now established in their own rights.
Pandit Bandyopadhyay was one of the founding musicians and head of the department of Vocal Music department of the Rabindra Bharati University (Kolkata). He retired in 1992 as a Professor of Music.
Kaushik Saha on tabla, Fakir Shahidul Islam and Jhuma Khandokar on tanpura and Joyita Chowdhury on harmonium assisted the artiste instrumentally.