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.

Recording

(see video above)

Special Performance Requirements

I originally wrote this arrangement for two Hindustani singers and string quartet. It is an arrangement of a bhajan by Ninu Mazumdar — in the original version, one singer sings the bhajan and the other gets to experiment with harmonies, all supported by the quartet.

However, over the years, Western-trained singers, and especially young choirs have taken an interest in the work. It makes sense: this is a bhajan that many young students of Hindustani music would learn in their formative years, and it has a beautiful message embedded in a beautiful melody that might resonate with young people from any culture.

The challenges for a young choir are different than the original, so I’ve redistributed the parts and added very specific pronunciation guides (audio guide forthcoming) to help with the words. I know that young people will pick up the language quickly.

Please note that this version can also be performed with a string quartet, as easily as it can with a piano. The music is exactly the same, and the string parts from this version may be used.

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.