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.

This is the very first version of Ram Tori Maya – it 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

While professional musicians perform this work often, this arrangement was specifically designed specifically for younger performers. Western string players need not have any Hindustani experience, and Hindustani singers need not have any Western music experience: you will figure this out together.

If you are a musical coach who is coaching this piece, please request the study score, so you can see how it is put together pedagogically — it will guide you in helping musicians from both traditions support one another.

If you are a Hindustani singer, please contact us for audio guides to help you learn the piece. This piece is designed for Hindustani singers at two different levels (even a teacher and a student). One part is simply the original bhajan (with some optional additions) and the other part often splits into harmony, and will require a more advanced singer.

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 first recorded on August 11, 2019 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, in Pasadena CA.