Melody and harmony
Music and melody are inseparable parts of human life. Just as nature sings her own songs, can we hold down the natural impulses that dominate human feelings or emotions?
In observance of the World Music Day 2011, Bangladesh Sangeet Sangathan Samannay Parisad (BSSSP) arranged an assembly of artistes at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) premises on June 21. Aside from lively musical performances at the open stage, the organisation also arranged musical programmes at National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium and National Art Gallery Plaza of BSA.
With the theme "Esho Bishwa Ke Melao Sur-er Oikotaan-e", the programme also included interpretation of the significance of World Music Day and reading out the declaration for the year.
Seasoned folk singer Kuti Mansur inaugurated the event. A colourful rally paraded different streets of the capital on the occasion. Alongside musical programmes, the assembly also featured a discussion.
Information and Cultural Affairs minister Abul Kalam Azad gave a brief speech. Singer Sajed Akbar delivered the welcome speech. Others who spoke at the occasion were president and general secretary of BSSSP, Tapan Mahmud and Bishwajit Roy, respectively. Noted lyricist Mohammad Rafiquzzaman; music director Alauddin Ali; folk singer Indra Mohan Rajbongshi; theatre personalities Ataur Rahman and Subal Datta spoke on behalf of Instrumentalist Association of Bangladesh.
"We need a national music day of our own, when all of us --- singers, composers, music directors, lyricists, instrumentalists, music connoisseurs and above all music lovers --- will hold discussions to determine the trend of our music based predominantly on classical and folk traditions. We will absorb many things from the richness of world music but we will fundamentally uphold our own, a philosophy propounded by our predecessors, one that will be different from others just as our national flag and anthem are different from other nations," asserted Mohammad Rafiquzzaman.
A choral rendition of Tagore number "Akash Bhora Surja Tara" kicked off the musical section at the open stage. Rendition of two other group songs "Joy Hok Joy Hok" and "Dhono Dhanyo Pushpo Bhora" followed. Set to the lyrics of Ben Johnson, artistes of Surer Dhara presented a popular English song "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes" based on which Rabindranath Tagore composed "Katobar Bhebechhinu". The artistes then rendered a Hindi track "Sundar Lagirey".
Artistes from a number of musical troupes Bishwaveena, Rabirashmi, Geetisatra, Sargam Lalita Kala Academy, Murchhana, Bashuria, Sangeet Bhaban, Mandira Shilpi Gosthi, Maromi Shilpi Gosthi, Dolon Chapa Sangeet Academy, Baul Prochar Sangstha and others performed several numbers.
Members of Pentagon performed a Spanish song at the programme. Written by Kazi Nazrul Islam, a choral Hindi song performance followed by several artistes.
Salahuddin Ahmed, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury, Mohiuzzaman Chowdhury, Nargis Chowdhury, Shaheed Kabir Palash, Mitul, Badrunnesa Dalia, Mahadev Ghosh, Chandana Hajong were among those who rendered solo songs.
Pranabesh Chakraborty, Chittagong
Music-enthusiasts of the port city joyously celebrated the World Music Day for the first time at Muslim Hall on Tuesday. With the participation of prominent cultural organisations and personalities of the city, a vibrant musical event was held on the occasion.
The aura of music can bring human beings together, was the common thread of all the speeches at the programme. Bangladesh Sangeet Samonnoy Parishad, Chittagong Divisional Chapter arranged the event with the slogan “Come and assimilate the world through the concord of tune”.
The programme featured Tagore, Nazrul, folk and patriotic songs.
Professor Abul Kashem, Department of Bangla, Chittagong University (CU) was present as the chief guest at a short discussion session. Noted Nazrul artiste Joyontee Lala presided over the discussion while Swarnamoy Chakraborty, AYM Azim and Dipen Chowdhury spoke.
Professor Abul Kashem said music has the power to give humanity a divine touch. “Our message is brief but its appeal is universal,” he said adding a quote from a popular Bangla song “Nir chhoto khati nei aakash to boro”.
In his welcome speech, terming music a universal language, Ustad Swarnamoy Chakraborty said we have no alternative to music to bring about positive change in the chaotic world.
The programme started with “Ragamala”, a choral rendition by the artistes from Classical Music Students' Forum. The song was composed by Pandit Dilip Das.
Later, singers from Sangeet Parishad, Abbhudaya, Nazrul Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha, Maizbandari Shilpi Gosthi also rendered songs to the delight of the audience.
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