In a captivating late-night performance that defied the winter chill, renowned flautist Ronu Majumdar presented a rare musical exposition, sending waves of excitement through the dedicated audience at the Saptak festival in Ahmedabad.
A Rare Announcement Ignites the Evening
On a cold Sunday, with temperatures dipping to 18°C, the atmosphere inside the venue was anything but frigid. The pivotal moment came when Majumdar announced his intention to present the Bageshree ang of Raga Jaijaiwanti. For the uninitiated, this might sound like esoteric jargon, but for the connoisseurs gathered, it was a thrilling promise of a deep musical journey. The announcement acted like a magnet, drawing the audience closer in anticipation, despite the late hour and the impending workday. The recital commenced around 11:40 PM, holding the core Saptak attendees spellbound.
Decoding the Musical Bouquet
What is this fusion that caused such a stir? In Hindustani classical music, an 'ang' refers to a stylistic aspect or part of one raga presented within the framework of another. Majumdar's choice to weave the essence of the poignant Raga Bageshree into the majestic fabric of Raga Jaijaiwanti was a masterstroke. It offered a bouquet of nuanced emotions, a treat for knowledgeable listeners who revel in such layered theoretical and aesthetic fulfilment.
The performance began with the alaap, where the notes carried a weighty, authoritative presence, almost pedagogical in nature. As the piece evolved, the mood shifted. The characteristic phrases of Bageshree began to illuminate the progression, adding a distinct emotional colour. The build-up featured sharp, staccato phrases that evoked the urgency of a romantic call, creating a beautiful contrast to the earlier solemnity.
A Thunderous Finale and Aural Map
The culmination was a powerful dialogue between the flute and the tabla. The legendary Kumar Bose provided the rhythmic foundation, matching Majumdar's thunderous emphases with what can only be described as explosive delicacy. Each crescendo and intricate pattern was met with roaring appreciation from the audience, their spontaneous cries of "wah!" punctuating the night.
Such a performance does more than entertain; it educates. For the aspiring rasikas (connoisseurs) and first-time listeners present, the duet by Ronu Majumdar and Kumar Bose served as a perfect primer into a less-common classical presentation. Together, they created a veritable aural map, guiding everyone through one of the many rich treasures housed within the vast tradition of Hindustani classical music, making an intricate concept accessible and profoundly moving.
