Research
The origins of Bengali music are comprised of a rich and diverse lineage, deeply rooted in spiritual and ethnic traditions. The earliest generation of music can be traced to chants and poetry such as Charya songs, Jari-Shari-Murshedi, and Kirtan, that gave birth to numerous genres.
The first traceable milestones in the history of music in Bengal resulted from the Sufi and Vaishnava movements. Both genres were based on philosophies of spirituality, but for the first time in the music history of Bengal, the style of Vaishnava Padavali allowed music to be more grounded on ethnic traditions, and its mystic counterpart – Sufism, broke through cultural segregation and united the people of the time. These musical traditions, during the middle-ages, were patronised by wealthy kings, nawabs and feudal lords through scores of distinguished musicians across Bengal.
It is difficult to trace a point in time when Bengali folk music first emerged, as marks of its existence are scattered throughout history. There are more than 50 subgenres of Bengali folk music, many with traceable roots to both the Vaishnava and Sufi movements. Forms of the genre portray the spirit of a region, its people, and their lives. Existing lines of folk music include Bhatiali, Jari Gaan, Shari Gaan, Baul Gaan, Marfati, Murshedi, Bhawaiya, Jhumur, amongst many others.
The 19th and early 20th century, considered to be a revolutionary period for Bengali music, saw the emergence of some of the greatest poets, composers and lyricists of all time, which included Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Jasimuddin, Atulprasad Sen, D L Roy, Sachin Dev Barman, amongst others. As much as their work revealed deep appreciation for the ancient traditions, it also tended towards experimentation and exploration of new frontiers. Their timeless compositions came alive in the memorable renditions by several talented singers and musicians.
Legendary maestros such as Ustad Alauddin Khan, SangeetacharyaTarapada Chakrabarty, Pandit Uday Shankar, Ustad Ayat Ali Khan, Ustad Vilayet Khan and many others had roots in East Bengal, and later they and their disciples, especially Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar, played an invaluable role in upholding traditions through the practice of classical music and its spread to the western world.
Much of Bengal’s culture lives on through the practice of its music, passed down from one generation to the next. But as we approach the era of cultural globalisation, this long history of patronisation is lost on newer generations of musicians and aficionados.
Bengal Foundation has been promoting music for decades to nurture and uphold the musical traditions of Bengal. The Foundation is responsible for releasing a wide selection of Bengali music to the public; conducting workshops, talks and lectures; organising concerts; providing scholarships to young musicians; as well as opportunities for deserving students of Bangladeshi origin to train in classical music under distinguished maestros, at the Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay.
Initiated in 2014, the Sangeetalay programme is aligned with the Foundation’s long-term vision to foster and sustain classical music in Bangladesh. In keeping with the Guru-Shishya mode of transmission, the training is open-ended and is expected to continue until such time that the students achieve professional competence. All pupils, who are competitively offered a place in the programme, are provided free lessons. The school has been lauded for its unique concept, generosity and commitment to excellence. The programme has played a significant role in influencing the country’s music industry to revisit the roots.
Bengal Foundation’s music programme aims to pave the way for better appreciation and understanding of the fundamentals of music; as well as energise, influence, and promote the music industry of Bangladesh.
