Tune and Rhythm of Bangladesh

Leading musicians of the country performed at a unique instrumental programme titled "Tune and Rhythm of Bangladesh" at the Music and Dance Centre, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on June 17. Tunes and rhythms of traditional instruments including bansi, esraj, dotara, dhol, dhak, tabla, mandira and khol impressed a houseful audience.The event began with a presentation of indigenous rhythm instruments, directed by Syed Meher Hossain. Seventeen musicians played familiar as well as rarely used rhythm instruments such as tabla, dhak, dhol, mandira, khol, mridanga, tikara-nikara, kolshi, pakhwaj, dunduvi, kansha, dhonghur and ektara. The improvisations on rhythm by the musicians was a rare moment for the audience, many of whom were not aware that there are talented musicians who still play the diverse instruments of Bangladesh.A solo bansi presentation by flutist Moniruzzaman followed. Based on Tagore's Ekhono tarey chokhe dekhini shudhu bansi shunechhi, Monir's presentation delineated the eternal love between Radha and Krishna. Initially he improvised on raaga Bhairavi. At the peak of the presentation the flutist improvised on raaga Bhatia.A.F.M. Ekram Hossain played a dhun on esraj. The melancholy tune of the instrument induced the effect of loneliness in the midst of the crowded venue.The programme ended with a dotara presentation directed by Nirmal Kumar Das. Eleven musicians improvised on folk tunes with dotaras, the key instrument in traditional folk music.Earlier everyone appreciated the initiative taken by the Department of Production of BSA. Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Forest, A.H.M. Rezaul Kabir was the chief guest and Professor Mridul Kanti Chakraborti was the special guest at the programme. The discussion was presided over by Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, director general of BSA. Director, Department of Production, Bikash Kishore Das delivered the welcome speech.