About The Event
An exploration of folk music-based melodies of Tagore
This event will be presented to commemorate the 163rd birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), the legendary Nobel laureate, poet, novelist, painter and composer, who has had a far-reaching impact not only on Indian literature but on music as well. His spiritual approach and a natural connection with the divine are evident in all his creations, making him unique in the annals of world literature.
Tagore was deeply influenced by the folk music of Bengal, particularly the songs of the bauls, the wandering minstrels. These songs are simple in their language and expression but carry deep esoteric meanings about the futility of material existence and the need to lead a spiritual life.
Baul Robi is presented by Shahana Shilpi Sangha, the performing group of Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture. It is a multimedia exploration of music accompanied by visuals, illustrating how Tagore was inspired by local traditions, which ultimately led to the development of an idiom that was his own, both in terms of language and music. Songs selected for this presentation also include a few that were written for his plays. Musically, the influence of renditions of the bauls is palpable with an undercurrent of some raga-based melodies. In addition, the musical arrangements also reveal elements of innovation based on the choral format of singing, and the use of instruments such as dotara, khol, manjira, etc., which highlight the folk flavour of Bengal.
An NCPA Presentation in association with Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture
Age Limit: 6+
Late entry will not be permitted.
