Celebrating a decade in music
Cultural Correspondent
Where have those timeless melodies of Bangla songs gone? There was a time when the intellectual audience was regaled with the appeal of the classical music. However, according to true music aficionados, this age-old heritage of pure music practice is gradually fading away. Thankfully, a musical school, Ananda Geet Badyam is an exception. This organisation is committed to preserving the age-old tradition of classical and Bangla music. The school specialises in teaching Nazrul Sangeet, patriotic and classical songs.The school completed its successful 10-year journey on April 1. To mark the occasion, the school organised a discussion session and a cultural programme at the auditorium of the Nazrul Institute. Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed was the chief guest while eminent dramatist and the school President Atiqul Haq Chowdhury presided over the programme. Popular children littérateur Ali Imam was the special guest. Appreciating Leena Taposhi, principal of the school and a noted Nazrul singer, for her contribution to conserving the authentic style of music Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, "The contemporary music trend is deteriorating from its original form and this is the time to fight back. Leena Taposhi with her school is doing the utmost to conserve our heritage." Atiqul Haq Chowdhury said, "There is a proverb 'Love is two hearts' one song'. And I firmly believe that music has the power to soothe and stir people's mind. But we shouldn't drift away from our roots. This school has done a great job by developing a true sense of music among its students." Ali Imam, who grew up in a musical environment, harked back to his childhood memories. In his words, "I don't feel comfortable with today's so-called popular music. We shouldn't go for music styles which are unoriginal." "Pure music has the immense power to enlighten our souls and rejuvenate us. To protect the intruding elements in our musical heritage, we especially the practitioners of the pure music should come forward and generate awareness among the people," asserted Leena. The discussion was followed by a musical soiree, with the participation of the school's students. Starting with the chorus Mora jhanjhar moto uddam, the young singers impressed the audience. After performing some other Nazrul songs, the students also sang Rajanikant's Tumi nirmalo karo and Rabindranath Tagore's Oi malotilata doley. However, the highlight of the programme was of course the solo performance by Leena Taposhi. Her delightful rendition of about 15 songs, including Khelichho e biswa loye, Pardeshi megh, Shawono ratey jodi, Menechhigo haar menechhi, enthralled the audience.
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Students of Ananda Geet Badyam rendering a song |
