A Rainbow of refined melodies at Nazrul Utshab

L-R: Usha Rahman receives award from Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed. Priyanka Gope sings at the event.

In recognition to his lifelong contribution to classical music, Nazrul Academy posthumously honoured Shafiur Rahman [of Suddha Sangeet Proshar Goshthi] with the 'Sur-Saaki' award at this month's Nazrul Utshab [festival]. Usha Rahman, widow of Shafiur Rahman, received the award at the programme held on September 28 at the Academy.
Eminent educationist and chief executive of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, handed over a crest and a certificate to Usha Rahman at the event.
“Music is a subject that I know little about. In my early years, I tried to learn music and to play violin and sitar. I successfully became a failure in every attempt. When genius flourishes, a person becomes an artiste. If someone aptly understands a genre of art, he/she is thought to be a connoisseur. I don't have the audacity to consider myself as a connoisseur. Classical music connoisseur Shafiur Rahman was a real fighter. He dedicated his whole life to the cause of classical music,” said Abdullah Abu Sayeed.
“Music has really been in a difficult position after television became widely accessible. Television with its small screen is a visual medium. The practice and publicity of good music on television is rare, let alone coverage of classical music. Those who were serving tea have now become producers of BTV, the state-owned channel. No recruitment of real talents, no competition or evaluation process is evident at BTV. Politics has engulfed every sector of our country. No creative faculty can flourish if rampant politicisation goes on,” added Professor Sayeed.
A classical music programme followed. Renowned classical vocalist Anil Kumar Saha started off with a khayal set on Raga Behag. The artiste immaculately presented the vilambit bandish, “Eyee Kawana Dhanga Tora Sajani”. The audience appreciated Saha's presentation of speedy taan, coupled with a tabla lahora by Bishwajit Natto, with rounds of applause. Aloke Kumar Sen on harmonium and Matiar Rahman on sarangi also accompanied the artiste.
Accomplished vocalist Priyanka Gope was next to take the stage. Priyanka was on a musical high as she performed both vilambit (“Ratia Hamarey”) and drut (“Jaag Mori Bhag Eri Aaj”) bandish on Raga Marubehag, set on vilambit ektaal and teentaal respectively. The artiste wrapped up her part with a Nazrul Sangeet, “Shey Chole Gechhey Bole Ki Go”, dedicated to the memory of Shafiur Rahman. Zakir Hossain on tabla and Sohel on harmonium accompanied Priyanka.
The last performer of the soiree was Maidul Islam. Maidul, a music teacher at Nazrul Academy, first rendered a khayal based on Raga Gorok Kalyan. The sweetness of the melody had a moving quality. And last but not the least, the artiste performed a Nazrul Sangeet, “Kuhu Kuhu Kuhu Kuhu Koyelia” based on Raga Khamaj.
Nazrul Utshab features performances of both Hindustani classical music and Nazrul Sangeet and is held on the last Friday of every month.