Please note: the recording above is the original, for two Hindustani singers and string quartet. When a recording becomes available of this version, it will be posted here.

Program Notes

This bhajan arrangement (based on a tune by Ninu Majumdar, with words from the ancient Indian saint-poet Barabas) has a message that is so relevant to our time — it is a plea for focus in a distracted world. It begs for the strength to focus on a higher purpose when illusion and distraction is all around — because that practice is the only way to reach for something greater than ourselves.

Ram Tori Maya started as (and still is) a piece to help Hindustani singers learn to work with Western classical musicians for the first time. It’s become so much more than that in the years since I wrote it, but at its core, it is designed young Hindustani and Western classical musicians, as their first step toward one another.

Recording

(see video above)

Special Performance Requirements

This is a string orchestra arrangement of the original version, for two Hindustani singers and string quartet. In this version, all the vocal parts are doubled, and therefore it does not require the Hindustani singers to be performed — however, they are a wonderful addition if they’re available. If there is only one singer available, they may sing the “original bhajan” line.

Text

Ram tori maya, nach nachave
Nis din mera manva vyakul
Sumiran sudhi nahi ave

Jorat tori, neha sut mera
Nirvarat arujhave
Kehi bhidi bhajan karu more sahib
Barbas mohe satave

Ram tori maya, nach nachave

Premiere/Performances

This piece was written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 2019. It was recorded on August 11, 2019 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, in Pasadena CA.