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Reena Esmail

Composer

Behta Jaa (from Sŭnaao) – (version for 2 treble voices)

July 18, 2024 by

Behta Jaa (from Sunaao)
Jaiden and Evie Hsu, sopranos Louise Chan, piano
Music Institute of Chicago April 20, 2024

Program Notes

(see the full version of Sunaao for program notes)

Text

(by Reena Bhansali)

III. Behta Jaa

Na-daal khud pe tu zyaada zor
Bhool jaao duniya ka yeh saara shor
Nadi ke saath behta jaa
Havaa ke saath uṛta jaa

Don’t be too hard on yourself
Forget the noise of the world
Go on flowing with the river
Go on flying with the wind

Recording

(see video above)

Special Performance Requirements

This piece is in modern Hindi/Urdu, and audio guides are available to teach and contextualize both language and style.

There is no need for any previous knowledge of Hindi or Hindustani music to perform this work: if this is your or your students’ first time encountering this language or style of singing – welcome! This is a great place to begin.

I will also say: if you know someone who is a native speaker of Hindi/Urdu (or even another South Asian language), this is a wonderful chance to utilize their abilities. It will be very easy for them to hear and coach correct pronunciation (especially of the ड़ sound, which is featured prominently in these pieces.)

Audio Guide

Please contact us for audio guides at info@www.reenaesmail.com

Premiere/Performances

The premiere of this version of Behta Jaa was given by Jaiden and Evie Hsu at the Music Institute of Chicago on April 20, 2024

Press/Reviews

View Product

Instrumentation: two treble voices and piano

Other Versions: original version for SATB, SSAA or SAB chorus

Duration: 4 min

Movements: 1

Year: 2024

Languages: Hindi (Urdu)

Commissioned by: Southern California Vocal Association (this two-voice version commissioned by Music Institute of Chicago)

Program Notes

Recording

Text

Premiere/Performances

Press/Reviews

Esmail is the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s 2020-2025 Swan Family Artist in Residence, and was Seattle Symphony’s 2020-21 Composer-in-Residence. She also holds awards/fellowships from United States Artists, the S&R Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Kennedy Center.

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Contact Details

Requesting a perusal copy of choral music
Email: manager@reenaesmail.com

Offer volume discounts to wholesalers for print orders
Please inquire at: info@reenaesmail.com

All other inquiries
Please email: manager@reenaesmail.com

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