Bengali music= A great source of solace

If I ask my friends: “What’s your favorite hobby?” More than 80% replies: “Listening to music.”
Really, nothing can be as soothing as a melodious song. Music can work as a medicine to ease pain, a remedy to lack of concentration (that is why some people plug headphones in their ears while studying math or other difficult subjects.) Moreover, music can be a sweet source of communication too. When verbal communication seems impossible, music can work like a bridge between two minds.


The river of Bengali music flows at a steady pace. Different people prefer to drink from different parts of the same river. I’ve tried to pick up a few drops from that river today.


Rabindranath Tagore

The first Bengali from west Bengal India, who won the noble prize in 1913 for his book Geetanjali. He wrote the national anthems of India and Bangladesh

, Kazi Nazrul Islam

The rebel poet, also the national poet of Bangladesh

, Atul Prasad Sen, Deejendro Lal Roy (D.L.Roy) and Rajani Kanto Sen are five different milestones established firmly at the root of Bengali Music. Each of these five people had their own styles.


Rabindranath got himself entwined with every Bengali family through his creations. The lyrics of his songs have a wide variety of feelings in them. Love, patriotism, religion, nature…there are songs for everyone. The tunes not only soothe one’s ears, but inspire to live when one’s feeling blue. Listening to Tagore songs just before going to bed can wash away fatigue or sorrows. I’m in love with Tagore songs since I was a toddler. I love to sing and listen to Tagore songs most of the time.



Nazrul geeti seems as rebellious as the poet himself. During his career as a poet, he met a lot of people from across the globe. As a result, he got influenced by a wide variety of languages. His works are filled with Urdu, Hindi or Persian words. Nazrul geetis are mainly raga- based songs, but rhythm is one of his specialties. Songs likeKarar Oi Louha Kopat

The metal gate of prison

orDurgomo giri

Difficult journey

manifests the unique rhythm, which attracts people to his songs. Some Nazrul {popnote:"geetis}songs are very nice to dance with. Although they are not easy to understand because of the difficult words, but if you are trained in classical music, Nazrul geeti will feel like magic to your ears.



Atul Prasad, D.L.Roy and Rajani Kanto are famous for either their romantic or patriotic songs. It is heard that Atul Prasad had laid the base of Bengali modern songs too.


Bengali music in ancient times was mostly linked to prayers. Due to the immense influence of Hindu mythology, some folk songs like Kirtons or Bhajans are related to the praise of God.


Baul songs

Songs performed by hermits

, Lalon songs

Songs by the poet Lalon shah

and songs by Jasim Uddin

The village poet

occupy a major portion of Bengali folk songs. Folk seems repulsive to some people, believe me, it is the simplest form of music. The use of traditional Bengali music instruments like Ektara

A one stringed musical instrument

, Dotara

A two-stringed musical instruments

, Bashi

Flute

, Dhol

Drum

etc create a simple yet attractive environment.
Folk music is closely related to daily life, especially rural life. So folk songs are like a special attraction to city-dwellers.



Bengali Band- An inseparable part of life for the young generation. Band music became popular since the early 80’s, mainly because of the perfect combination of modern musical instruments, lyrics reflecting issues of youth and the comparatively faster tune attracts young people.


Last but not the least, comes the modern songs and film songs. Popular, catchy tunes and lyrics away from the classical base can attract people of all ages. Unfortunately, we can hardly find variety in modern songs nowadays, but still, CD’s are abundant in the market, and many people get access to them.


Film music is mostly liked by a certain class of people, but they are not so bad. Certain film songs can be fun to listen. Besides, some film songs, especially those created in the early 70’s are not only soothing, but very decent as well.
Speaking of decency, there are some songs, especially certain solo and parody songs, which may be rhythmic, but they are neither melodious, nor well composed. These songs are best avoided. Indecent songs may be available, but they definitely create a bad impact, especially on teens and youth.


People can always turn to music, whatever the reason may be. Music is like a gift available for everyone. If you are sad, stop brooding, and immerse into the cascade of music, smiles will certainly come your way.
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Author's note: To know more about music, go to www. wikipedia.com