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A Musical Tribute to a Painter
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The Bengal Foundation organized a 3-day musical event featuring classic Bengali songs at the Bengal Gallery from 21-23 March to pay a tribute to the artist Qayyum Chowdhury. By Sheema Hossain and Reema Islam.
The many paintings by artist Qayyum Chowclhury, which graced the walls of the Bengal Shilpalaya, glowed in candlelight amidst tastefully arranged plants and flowers as the haunting melodies of Rabinclro sangeet swept through the gallery. The audience sat spellbound as the songs stirred the deepest chords of their emotions. The grand three-day event, titled Ghoroya Ganer Ashor was a tribute to the artist on his 75th birthday.
Qayyum Chowdhury in his speech began by describing the spiritual inspiration he got from Rabindranath Tagore. I le spoke about his childhood spent in reading Tagore's books and listening to his songs. 'It was when I matured into adulthood that I realised that behind those black typed words was an out-of-mincl/body experience that elevates the soul'.
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He told the audience what his personal favourites were in the music world, and praised the singers who were to grace the event with their melodious voices. At the end of his speech he presented them with his own original paintings.
Bulbul Islam and Shama Rahman performed on the first day of the event. Before singing, Bulbul Islam took the opportunity to thank Qayyum Chowdhury, someone he admired greatly. 1 never had the privilege of seeing his original paintings earlier and to sing amongst them is an honour I never thought I'd have', he said. He shared amusing personal anecdotes on his relationship with the artist, and how he would sometimes borrow songs from Qayyum Chowdhury's library. Since it was March, he decided to sing songs, which made 1971 alive. The graceful Shama agreed with Bulbul that it was indeed a privilege to have the opportunity to sing among the paintings of such a renowned artist. The two performers recognized the intrinsic relation between music and painting.
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The second day of the 3-day event was a tribute to the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. With songs from some of the poet's famous as well as his lesser-known compositions, Sharmin Shathi Islam kept the audience enthralled with her melodious voice. The tempo of the songs kept changing from a fast teen-tal beat to a slower char matra beat, harmoniously accompanied by a violinist and synthesizer. With the fragrance of flowers, a spectacular array of paintings in the background and the classical intone of Nazrul's compositions, the audience seemed in no mood to let the programme end. The next performer was Iffat Ara Dewan who expertly rendered a string of songs with the absolute ease that comes from years of training. The 3" day was a mixture of Rabindra Sangeeti, Atul Prasad and D.L Roy's songs. Aditi Mohsin and Laisa Ahmed Lisa gave a befitting end to the 3-day musical treat.
The Ghoroya Ganer Ashor'was as successful as one could expect. The purity and joy of classic Bengali music, according to some, is not popular with young music enthusiasts. But the crowed at the Bengal Shilpalaya, in true Bengali sprit, completely enjoyed themselves and if the turnout is something to go by, then the future of old Bengali music is indeed very bright.
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