SANJUKTA SEN - TANPURA

In this album Girija Devi, in one of her outstanding studio recordings, celebrates the coming of spring through myriad vocal expressions.

Aali re Ayo Basant Suhavan

Girija Devi transports us to the realm of "Rituraj Basant"- Spring, the Lord of all seasons. When the Earth is laden with tender leaves and wrapped in colorful flowers, the blossom in bloom (Bahar) beckons his beloved Basant to play Holi, the festival of romanticism and color. But the youthful maiden expresses her shyness about meeting her loved one.

Spring begins with Basant Panchami when prayers are offered to Saraswati,the Goddess of learning,and culminates with the joyous colors of Holi, the festive occasion full of music and dance.

Hori, Rasia and Dhammal, as also the ragas Basant, Bahar and Hindol, are the best known musical expression of the romantic lyricism of Spring.

KHAYAL ; Raga Basant - 28:06

TAPPA ; Raga : Bahar-7:31

THUMRI ; Raga : Mishra Kafi- 15:42

DADRA; Raga : Panch Raga ( Five mixed ragas: Basant, Bahar, Darbari,Sahana & Kafi)- 7:17

CHAITI ; Raga : Mixed, Basant/ Bahar-8:39

KHAYAL ; Raga Basant - 28:06

The first composition is a Khayal in Raga 'Basant'. Literally translated, Khayal means imagination. The delicately ornamented phrases have more importance than the lyrics of the text. The Khayal genre of Hindustani classical music is believed to have been developed by Amir Khosro in the thirteenth century.

The recording starts with 'Bara' khayal set in Ektal ( slow 12 beats). The words are "Aee ayo re ritu navali" means "friends, the beautiful season of Spring is here with all its splendor and fragrance". The 'Chota Khayal' (fast composition) is set in Teental or sixteen beats. The wordings are "Maaee re mai to piya sang kheli hori" (I play Holi with my beloved).

Raga Basant: This is a very melodious raga and creates the mood for spring. It belongs to the Thaat Purvi, and is a 'audav sampurna' (some literature refers as 'shadav sampurna') jati. Pa is excluded in the Aroha. Komal Re and Dha as well as both shudha and Teevra Ma are used in this raga. Time of rendering is the last quarter of the night.
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Aroha (Ascending): Sa Ga Ma' Dha Re Sa ; Avroha (Decending): Re Ni Dha Pa Ma' Ga Ma' Dha Ma' Ga Re Sa

TAPPA ; Raga : Bahar-7:31

The second composition is a TAPPA composed in Raga Bahar which is set in the Adhdha Tal (16 beats). The words are "Gulshan me Bulbul chehki" ( The Bulbul is chirping in the blossomed garden).

Tappa is a light classical form believed to have been developed in the eighteen century from the songs of the Punjabi camel drivers. The rendering of a tappa requires great virtuosity, with the inclusion of fast and perpetual movement of tans. Girija Devi, one of the most legendary proponents of this genre of classical music, is famous for her interpretation and improvisation of these difficult compositions.

Raga Bahar is a Shadav raga of Thaat Khafi. Re is excluded in Aroha and Dha in Avaroha. The time of rendering is midnight.

Aroha : Sa GaMa PaGaMa NiDhaNiSa ; Avaroha : Sa NiPaMaPa GaMa ReSa

THUMRI ; Raga : Mishra Kafi- 15:42

The third composition is a Thumri in Banaras style. The raga chosen is Mishra Kafi set in Jat Tal. The predominant theme of the Thumri is erotic fantasy, with all its twists and turns and shifting panorama of colors. Deep-rooted sentiments and some typical situation, phase or temperament of common rural folk is usually depicted. The Thumri is also associated with Holi and the 'Rasa-Lila' of Radha-Krishna, the divine lovers of 'Vraja'.The words are: "Maai kaese khelu holi Kanhaiya mag me Thare" ( how can I play Holi when Krishna is standing in my way ).

DADRA; Raga : Panch Raga ( Five mixed ragas: Basant, Bahar, Darbari,Sahana & Kafi)- 7:17

The forth composition , Aali re ayo Basant suhawan, is a song that welcomes Basant,the spring. Set to Kaharwa Tal (8 beats),the composition is a Dadara which is a beautiful blend of five ragas- Basant, Bahar, Darbari, Sahana & Kafi. Dadara is a light classical form resembling Thumri in which its lyrics evoke eroticism and passion. A specific emphasis is given to the pace of its rhythm.

CHAITI ; Raga : Mixed, Basant/ Bahar-8:39

Seej charat dar laagee. The concluding composition is Chaiti in Mishra Basant & Bahar. The Chaiti is a musical form derived from folk songs and its theme revolves around the festivities of Holi. It evokes the aura of romanticism and the mood of love. In this particular song, the newly married young bride is expressing her shyness at meeting her beloved.