Date:13/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2007/10/13/stories/2007101351040200.htm

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Won over twice

Two musical recitals bring new albums to the limelight

Devotional Rashmi Agarwal

Mystica Music recently released two albums in the best possible way. The release was accompanied by performances by the artistes. Rashmi Agarwal impressed a packed India Habitat Centre audience with her renditions of Sufi poetry. And Bhure Khan Sahe b proved once again why he is the master of the harmonium. Renowned film director and fashion designer Muzzafar Ali released Rashmi Agarwal’s “Rang De Maula” album and Bhure Khan Saheb’s “Tajurba”.

The evening opened with Agarwal’s engaging performance. Her first choice was a kalam by Baba Bulle Shah. She said she chose it though it was not in her album because, “It is all about love.” It was a kalam fit for a night dedicated to Ishq Haqiqi (in celebration of love). Her next piece was a poem of Jalal-ad Din Muhammad Rumi, which she had translated from English. Before singing the song, she recited it in English. “In your light, I learn to love. In your beauty I make poems.” The poem is about the surrender to love, in the spirit of generosity.

She sang a few other kalams from her album. She concluded with “Rang de Maula” from her album. Recorded music was used for this performance, which took away from the tactile quality of live music.

Bhure Khan walked onto stage with difficulty and a cane. He endeared himself to the audience saying, “Mere ghutne kamzor hai, baaqi sab theek hai.” He took a brief while over the sound-check, ensuring that each instrument was at the exact timbre and volume. Before starting he reminded the audience, “Paheli baat, mai bimar hu. Par himmat hai.” He displayed his virtuosity soon after taking the stage. He is one of the only musicians who can play the harmonium in multi-scales. The audience listened in rapt attention as he performed various feats with the keyboard.

“Tajurba” is a collection of renditions of three different ragas, performed by artistes of three different generations. “”Rang De Maula” is Sufi poetry set to classical rhythms but with a global feel.

NANDINI NAIR