Enthralling Performances

The first two cultural evenings of the India Week in Qatar took off in a tradition at way at the plush Qatar National Theatre, with Dr Mustafa Raza's Vichitra Veena Recital in Hindustani style of Indian Classical music and a Bharatnatyam performance by renewed danseuse Sreekala Bharath.

Dr. Mustafa, a disciple and son Ustad Ahmed Raza Khan, has dedicated his life popularize the ancient Indian insturment Vichitra Veena. Vichitra Veena means 'Unique' and ture to its name the instrument docs sound and look different to the other tow Veenas it the Saraswati and Rudra Veena. Saraswati Veena is used for the Carnatic style while the Rudra Veena for the Dhrupad style of India Classical Music.

In and exclusive interview with Gulf Times. Fr Mustafa said that it is a divine instrument that has the distinction of being the only plucked instrument executing the finer nuances of the human voice. The instrument has four main strings, three side strings along with chikaries and 15 Tarabs (empathetic strings) with a superb range of four octaves. Dr Mustafa said this instrument has no feet on it and hence is difficult to master.

On the inaugural day. Dr Mustafa played 'Rageshwari' a happy evening raga. The composition "Aao Sajni Khushi Maraye" (come dear lets celebrate) was aptfor the occasion Master Ahmed Khan a disciple and son of Ustad Nawab Ali Khan Sahab of Farukkabad Gharana did wonder on the percussion instrrument the "Tabla". The Tabla is and integral part of any Hindustani style concert.

Vasi Ahmed Khan displayed his complete mastery by playing both Arabic and Western beats in the Tabla mych to the thrill of the audience As the Main artist Dr Mustafa was extremely gracious in giving equal importance tot he percussionist Dr Sashi Mittal accompanied on the Tanpura.

On the second day Dr Mustafa played Chankesi at South Indian raga played in the NorthIndian style Dr Mustafa explanationthan 'Charukesi means targets of Chat (Fona) flow ect. The raga had four different moods heat -serious happy musician and romantic Dr Mustafa flowed effonlessly for one next to the other. This was followed by Vasi Ahmed Khan's solo race on the Tabla called National Integration through Rhyhtms in which he played heats special of the various Indian States. It was a pleasure to see the spontaneous and enthusiastic participation of the audience who clapped to the hear.

On both days the Vecihitra Veena rectal was followed by an enthralling Bharatnatyam performance by sreekala Bharath Bharatnatyam is the classical dance form of the state to Tamil Nadu is India. Bharata is madeup of 'Ba'. 'Ra' 'Ta' which stand for 'Bhaava' texpression' 'Raga' (musical modes and 'Tala' (rhythm).