Along with orchestration and dance, Violina showcased some of their best compositions at a puja pandal. By Iknoor Kaur
Dance and music was not the only thing we witnessed during the Durga Puja celebrations at Block C, Vasant Kunj recently. The Kolkata-based, world renowned troupe Violina presented nine of their most well-known compositions including a fusion of some popular Indian and Western numbers.
Their opening sequence was a fusion of Bharatanatyam and Kathak performed by four young dancers and their choreographer Krishna Sinha. The composition was called Durga Bandana which was an ode to the ongoing Durgotsav. The second composition was pure violin orchestration on Jingle Bells. Directed by Ranen Sinha, the song was neatly blended with the Indian ragas and was a beautiful rendition of modern and traditional tunes.
Following this was the composition, life on Earth. This theme was based on a popular song of Bhupen Hajarika. Through its delightful rhythm, the song expressed love and joy. Another unique thing about this composition was the blend of violin orchestration and dance.
Next up was the Dur Dweepabasinee. This was a song composed by Kaji Najrul Islam and represented Najrulgeeti mainly because of its rhythmic appeal. The representation of this musical piece through Kathak was creative. The synchronisation of the dance was flawless. Breaking the sway soon after this performance was one of the best pieces of orchestration, Golden Tune. This was a tribute to Kishore Kumar and Mukesh as it was a collage of Kishore’s Mere Naina and Mukesh’s Jane Kahaan Gaye Woh Din.
Dil Hum Hum Kare turned out to be a hit with the audience. While the dance was appealing the music ended with a riveting jhala. The over all experience of the raga Bhoopali with improvised Kathak and Bharatnatyam was fulfilling.
The evening was also an amalgamation of well-known numbers like Mere Dolna from Bhool Bhulaiyaa on which the dancers did Kathak. A medley of songs like Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, Hare Krishna, Om Jai Jagdish and Vaishnav Jan Ko in the composition called Devotion was performed by the violinists.
Overall the event was a cultural mélange where dance and orchestration fused with each other almost seamlessly.