The week gone by
A touch of mysticism
Farida Parveen's solo musical soiree
Cultural Correspondent
Though Bangla language is unfamiliar to Mila, a Spanish girl, she was moved by the melody of the songs. And she was not alone. Those who could grasp Lalon Shah's lyrics were overwhelmed by Farida Parveen's renditions of the mystic poet's works. Organised by Amra Surjamukhi the occasion was Farida's solo musical soiree at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium at the National Museum recently. The symphony of indigenous acoustic instruments like dhol, khanjana, tabla, dotara and bansi complemented Farida's wonderful high-pitched voice modulation. In the bargain she touched a responsive chord in the hearts of the audience. Farida Parveen began the soiree with the presentation of her popular Kabya Sangeets such as Nindar Kanta Jodi Na Bidhilo Paye, O Pakhire, Ei Padma Ei Meghna, Tomora Bhule Gechho and Bidhire Tui. The second part of the arrangement was Lalon Shah's songs. At the beginning, Farida consecutively moved from one song to another without a break. In turns she sang Pakhi Kakhan Jani Ure Jay, Tin Pagole and Shei Kalachan. The perfect combination of Farida's voice with the rhythm of khanjana played by Babu, tabla played by Biswajit and dotara played by Baidyanath Shil was enjoyable. From time to time Gazi Abdul Hakim played the dhun on bansi. Later Farida rendered Pare Ke Jabi and Milon Hobe Koto Dine. During the presentation of the Lalon Geetis Gazi played a wonderful melody of rakahlia tune with his bansi, which transported the audience to the rural Bangladesh. Responding to an encore call from the rapt audience to render Samay Gele Shadhon Hobe Na, without any instrument Farida began the song with her typical soulful voice modulation. After each stave of the song, Gazi Abdul Hakim played ragas and a fusion of folk and raga with his bansi. His presentation of Bhairabi raga, after Farida's rendition of Lalon bole tahar samay danda roy na part of the song, gave a touch of mysticism to the concert. Before the musical presentation, litterateur Selina Hossain, singer Abdul Hadi and poet Robiul Hussain delivered speeches. Selina Hossain said, "I can visualise the image of Lalon Shah in Farida Parveen's rendition. The superb singer enchants the audience." Abdul Hadi said, "The presence of a packed audience at the auditorium to listen to Farida' rendition of Lalon Geeti proves that Bangladeshis still have a penchant for traditional music. Lalon Geeti and Farida Parveen are synonymous. Moreover, she is also a prominent Kabya Geeti singer."
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