The New Nation - Internet Edition

Entertainment Report

A solo flute recital by Ustad Captain (Retd) Azizul Islam was held at the National Theatre Stage of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on May 10.

The programme was organised by the Department of Dance and Music of the Shilpakala Academy.

Director General of the Academy Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, theatre exponent Sayeed Ahmed and musicologist Dr Karunamaya Goshwami spoke at the programme.

The discussants at the programme emphasised on the history of 'Banshi' as a wind instrument. They also evaluated Ustad Azizul Islam as a flute player.

Once a captain of a merchant vessel, Ustad Azizul Islam has some remarkable achievements in classical banshi recital in an era when Bangladesh lacks quality musicians, they said.

Ustad Azizul Islam played 'Raga Marwa' - a melancholic tune usually played in the evening - accompanied by Pandit Bijon Chowdhury on 'tabla' and M Jahangir Alam on 'tanpura.'

The presentation lasted about 30 minutes. The presentation began in slow tempo and gradually picked up.

Another attraction at the programme was improvisation on popular folk tune 'Banshi Shuney Aar Kaaj Nai.'

The event wrapped up with the presentation of a 'Dhun' performed by Ustad Azizul Islam. Sunil Kumar Das played 'Dotara' as the flutist improvised on a 'Bhatiali' tune.