Music

This sonata by Tagore, is very close to my heart. I grew up listening to different renditions of this song and wanted to add my own. The lyrical verses of the sonata are deeply meaningful and relatable. The composition, typical of Tagore, is exceptionally nuanced, and shows his deep appreciation and mastery of Hindustani Classical Music.

Manami and I invite you to enjoy our humble attempt to recreate this masterpiece.

About the project: Multiple lush stings were overlayed on top of the piano to accentuate the synchronicity of life as expressed in this sonata, while Manami masterfully choreographed the dance sequence. A translation of the song has been added below, and also at the end of the video.

The lyric of the sonata:

Who is it dances within
To a rhythm so lively
Ever unceasing
With a roll of drums
Ever pulsing to the beat

Sway laughter and tears
Like diamonds and emeralds
Adorning a tiara
Frolic ebb and tide
Quivering to the rhythm
Pirouette birth and death
Gaily waltzing together

O what joy! what happiness!
Bondage and freedom twirl on night and day
I too sway on joyful waves
Keeping beat to the rhythm

 

We hope you enjoy!

An impromptu collaboration with incredibly talented @kanami_kusajima . The sonata / song was written and composed by Bengali polymath, Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. Though, I played the tune only, below is the poem, faithfully translated by “Ananda”

~~~~~~~~~

In my quest of a song
I delve into the sullen sky,
The monsoon breeze
Replete with longing.

There is a passionate eloquence,
A dancing gig, strange, mysterious,
Among the trees blowing in the wind,
Which I yearn to learn,
Spend hours to assimilate

My body responds to a
Wave of unearthly melodies,
Deluging me
In streams of splendor

A secret thrives in the chasm
Of my shadowed consciousness,
In the twilight haze of my dreams,
Which I pine to possess
Very deeply.

Made this simple arrangement of the iconic song by Louis Armstrong on my Clavinova. Instruments used – Saxophone, Strings, Piano, and some additional pads and rhythm. Hope you’d enjoy! #yamahaclavinova #wonderfulworld #louisarmstrong #2020