Evening adorned with Kathak dance by Shri Bandopadhyay

 Wednesday 11th September 2024 at 5:53PM

Shri Bandopadhyay is also the founder of Shri Sadhana School of Kathak

Chandigarh: 11 September 2024: (Kartika Kalyani Singh//The Music Screen Desk)::

The scorching heat with scorching sun is now gone and the season of sweet winter has started knocking. It can be felt in the morning and evening. People have also seen the color of drizzle to torrential rain once again. In such a pleasant weather, a series of musical events has started across the country. To make people feel this, Prachin Kala Kendra also organized its special event in Chandigarh.

In the 299th episode of the series of monthly meetings organized every month by Prachin Kala Kendra, Shri Bandopadhyay from Delhi delighted the audience with his Kathak dance. Shri, who is learning dance under the guidance of Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj, received her initial dance lessons from Guru Sandeep Malik. After this, she learned the nuances of dance from Pandit Jaikishan Maharaj. Shri has also received Bhaskar's diploma from Ancient Art Center. Apart from this, she has also received postgraduate education from Khairagarh University. Doordarshan's B grade artist is also the founder of Shri Sadhna School of Kathak. She has made a place in the hearts of the audience with her various performances.

Today's program started with a beautiful Dhrupad composition Kunjan Mein Racho Raas which was based on Chautal. After this, Shri presented the technical aspects of Kathak. She demonstrated her strong grip on the technical aspects by presenting Ashtamangal 11 matra Paran, Gat, Uthan, Chale, Aamad, Tripalli, Pramilu, Tihai and Chakradar Paran. After this, he presented a thumri based on Teen Taal which was set in Raga Megh Malhar and received a lot of applause from the audience. At the end of the program, Shri concluded the program with beautiful rhythms by presenting compositions based on Teen Taal and instrumental instruments Paran, Bijli Paran. Along with him, famous tabla player Ustad Shakeel Ahmed Khan on tabla, Atul Devesh on singing, Lavanya Abande on sitar and Jai Bhatt on bol padhant made the program more beautiful.

At the end of the program, the center's registrar Dr. Shobha Kausar, secretary Shri Sajal Kausar honored the artists by giving them uttiya and memento.

Raag based film songs also had a different era

Even today only raga-based music can evoke real magic 

Mohali//Chandigarh: 7 September 2023: (Kartika Singh//The Music Screen Desk)::

Some songs are heard in the heart. His words, his tunes, everything is immediately remembered in the mind. Utte sati wahi song insan kab gungunane lagta hai he doesn't even know about it. In fact, it all happens because of music based on ragas.

Millions of songs have reached people's hearts through movies. Jaha tak shadon ki baat hai ve to kamal ke hote hai hai but their melody amplifies their meanings a thousand times. It is the duty of the composer to prepare a different tune for each song. 

Many times the tunes of many songs start to sound similar but then there is something in between. Film songs based on raga begin to feel this upon listening carefully. The lyrics of those songs are based on their tunes. It is worth noting that there are many excellent songs based on ragas in Hindi cinema. Here are examples of some of the major ragas based on which filmi songs have been made. Not only did it become popular, but it also became very popular.

Raga Yaman is a very pleasing raga. It feels like you are saying your heart first. This raga is also known as Raga Kalyan. Changes in power and politics also affect culture, music and literature. According to experts, this raga originates from Kalyan Thaat, so it is also called Ashraya Raga (when the origin of a raga is from that same name). During the Mughal rule, Muslims started calling this raga as Raga Yaman or Raga Iman. Professor Chaman Lal Bhalla of Ludhiana also sings it very beautifully.

It is worth noting that Yaman and Kalyan may be one raga, but combining the names of both Yaman and Kalyan gives rise to another raga called Yaman-Kalyana in which both mediums are used. The special thing is that this raga has been considered as a raga of serious nature. Based on this raga, if you listen to it, it takes the song into a serious atmosphere. Many famous film songs have also been sung in this raga. One of them is - a very melodious song from the famous movie Saraswati Chandra - Chandan Sa Badan, Chanchal Chitwan. Similarly, another film came out Bhigi Raat-the song of this film was-"Dil Jo Na Keh Saka Woh Hi Raje Dil...

"Another film was very famous-Chitchor-Its song was very popular "Jab Deep Jale Aana..." Another film came- illiterate- the song also came on the tongue of people-Jiya le gayo ji mora Saanwariya...Similarly another film was Ram Lakhan-its song was also famous-"Bada Dukh Dinha Mere Lakhan Ne..."It is worth noting that Raag Yaman Mein Aur Bhi Bhaut Se Bhaut Se Geet Hain Suna Hoga- "Tere Mere Sapne Ab Ek Rang Hain". It was sung by famous singer Kishore Kumar Sahib. The movie was "Guide".

Similarly, there is another song raga in Yemen. "Zindagi ke safar mein guzar jate hain jo makam, woh fir nahin aate..! Its singer was Janab Mohammad Rafi Sahib..Yeh song apne sathe hi waqt ki dhara mein baha le jaita hai. Its movie was "Aap ki Kasam".

It is important to remind here once again that when the power changes, the names of many things, places and places also change. Something similar happened in the case of Raag Yemen. The ancient name of this raga is Kalyan. 

Time changed, power changed, politics also changed, then it started to be called Yemen from the time of Mughal rule. In the descent of this raga, when a small amount of pure medium is used by curving the gandhara, then it is called Yaman Kalyan when both mediums are used in this way.

298th Monthly baithak organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra

 Sunday 11th August 2024 at 4:41 PM

Tabla beats and soulful vocal recital captivated city audience 

Chandigarh: 11th August 2024: (Karthika Kalyani Singh//The Music Screen)::

The music lovers of city beautiful were treated to a amazing Musical delight by noted Tabla player from Jaipur Sh. Gautam Pal and promising vocalist from Shilma Sh. Gunjan Channa   on the occasion of the 293rd  Monthly Baithak Programme organized by Pracheen Kala Kendra here today at  M.L. Koser  Indoor Auditorium at 6:30 pm onwards. Both the artists kept the audience enthralled by the sheer and clean beauty of their   musical skills.

In the domain of Indian Classical Music Gautam Pal has established himself as one of the most talented Tabla Artist of his generation, representing the glorious tradition of Farukhabad Gharana. Gautam has started learning Tabla at very early age under the guidance of Sh.Shib Shankar Karmakar, who is a disciple of Ustad Keramatullah Khan.Later he became Gandh Bandh Sagrid of renowed Tabla Maestro Pt.Shankar Ghosh. For the last five years he also taken regular talim from Sh.Sushil Jain (Chandigarh) who is a senior Disciple of Ustad Kader Bakhsh of Punjab Gharana and a torch bearer of Punjab Gharana. He has received numerous Awards and Honour in his field of Art. He has also hold the “B” high grade approved Artist of All India Radio.

Today’s another artist Sh. Gunjan Channa is a young , talented and promising artist based in Shimla. He took initial training of music from his parents. He did his  master's from Khalsa College, Patiala.  He received further training to learn intricacies of music from Dr. Jagmohan Sharma. He recently got A-grade artist  level in classical  music (Vocal) from All India Radio. He is won many youth festivals in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab as well . He is an emerging artist in the world of music.

Gautam Pal commenced his programme with traditional Uthan followed Peshkar  based on  teen taal  of farukhabad  Gharana . Then he moved on to present Kayda, Rela, Palta  etc.  before technical part consist of  gats amidst applause. After this, he performed Farmaishi and Kamali Chakradar, Tukde, Rele and Tihaari in a well-composed manner. . He concluded his recital with crisp traditional bandishes  of his Gharana.  He is ably accompanied by   Punjab  based  noted harmonium exponent Gurpreet Singh Moga   on harmonium who himself is a versatile artist.

After the beats of Tabla , Gunjan Channa took the centre stage to perform vocal recital. He  started the program with Raag Bihag. After Alaap, he presented a composition "Kaise Sukh Soye" in Vilambit Khayal followed by two crisp compositions Balam Re and Baje Re Mori Payal in Madhya Laya Teen Taal which were well received by the audience. Drut composition with bols  Bani Bani Thani Thani also won the hearts of the listeners . At the end of the program, Gunjan added colour to the program by presenting Himachali folk song Maaye Nii Meriye. He was accompanied by Mr. Rajesh Brahmbhatt on tabla and Mr. Madan Kashyap on harmonium.

Dr. Shobha Koser , SNA Awardee, Registrar , Secretary Sh. Sajal Koser , Tabla Guru  Pt. Sushil Jain and Dr. Jagmohan Sharma honored the artists with bouquet,  a scroll of PKK and a Memento.

Guitar Hero: Musical Harmonies Across Borders

Wednesday 13th March 2024 at 12:21 AM

USA Army Members Strumming in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Music World: 13th March 2024: (DoD USA Army//The Music Screen Desk)::

Guitar Hero sending the musical waves to the world for a peaceful society. An airman assigned to the U.S. Air Forces Central Band shows a Saudi World Defense Show attendee how to play a guitar near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 7, 2024. The band performs community outreach concerts, school assemblies and diplomatic events.

This photo was clicked by USA Air Force Camera Team. This photo telling a story also. This strory is related to musical desires and waves.

In the heart of the Arabian desert, where sand dunes stretch endlessly and ancient palaces stand as testaments to history, there exists a moment of harmony that transcends borders and cultures. Amidst the bustling city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the gentle strumming of a guitar resonates, weaving melodies that echo the spirit of camaraderie and unity.

This unique scene unfolds as members of the USA Army, far from home yet connected through the universal language of music, gather to share their passion for the guitar. In a setting that may seem unlikely to some, these soldiers find solace and community in the simple act of playing their instruments.

As fingers dance across the strings, notes float through the air, carrying with them the stories and experiences of those who've traveled from distant lands. Each chord struck is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit, bridging gaps and forging connections where none seemed possible.

For the soldiers stationed in Riyadh, music serves as more than just a pastime—it's a lifeline that offers moments of reprieve from the rigors of duty and a reminder of the bonds that unite them with their comrades-in-arms. In the shared rhythms and harmonies, they find comfort, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging that transcends cultural divides.

But the impact of their musical gatherings extends beyond the confines of their barracks. As the strains of their songs drift through the streets of Riyadh, they serve as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between nations. Through their music, these soldiers become ambassadors of peace, fostering understanding and building bridges between their host country and their homeland.

In a world often marked by division and discord, the sight of USA Army members playing guitar in Riyadh serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of music. In their hands, six strings become a conduit for unity, bringing people together and fostering a sense of community that knows no bounds.

So, amidst the sands of Saudi Arabia, where cultures collide and traditions intersect, let the music of the USA Army members playing guitar be a beacon of hope and harmony—a testament to the enduring power of humanity to find common ground, even in the most unexpected of places. Music, which teaches the magic of transforming war and hatred into love and humanity, has also emerged as a special hope of today's times.