35 Wonder Street Blog - 35 Wonder Street

05 Feb

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!

14 Jan

In my quest of a song

Music

By Shiv

Comment

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.

26 Dec

Born in 2020

Writing

By Shiv

Comment

For most of us 2020 started with hopes, dreams, and probably with some new year resolutions. I see plenty of proof of that when I scroll down the social media feeds of people I follow. Someone pledged that in 2020 he was going travel the world. How ironic! And I was no exception as I myself was gearing up for exploring South East Asia during this year. None of us was expecting, in our wildest dreams, the gloom and doom that the COVID19 was about to unleash on us. We were simply not prepared for it. Before we could even grasp what we were up against, thousands and thousands had died unceremoniously, lonely in unmarked beds with no one to listen to their dying wishes or shed a tear for them. Fact is that many of them were our near and dear and we might have spoken to them just days before they were gone.

26 Dec

What a Wonderful World

Music

By Shiv

Comment

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

06 Dec

Model Release Form

By Shiv

Comment

What is a model release form?

A model release form is a contract that outlines the agreement between a model and the photographer, most often used in fashion photography or corporate photography. A model release allows the photographer to use the photos promotionally or sell the photos commercially.

06 Dec

Modeling Terms – Know Before You Go

By Shiv

Comment

Modeling could be fun, either as a mainstream profession or as a side gig. If you have made a career choice in modeling, congratulations! However, the sheer amount of competition in this industry could make it daunting for anyone to get his/her foot in the door or get the very first professional assignment. One tried and tested method is to build one’s portfolio through TFP/TFCD assignments.

However, before all that, being familiar with some of the essential industry terms would not only save an aspiring model time in negotiating a contract, also would help him/her navigate the industry confidently, be part of the community while staying safe and vigilant of unprofessional people.