 |
| |
VOL. 28, NO. 09, Nov 14 , 2008 (Kartik 29 2065 B.S.)
|
|
FOLK TUNES
Diversity In Unity
Every country has its own folk music but each of them have some commonalities as well
By A CORRESSPONDENT
Folk tunes have long history and most of such tunes evolved along with the human civilization. Some such tunes even represent the ancient time. Of course, there are certain modifications but such folk tunes do reflect the original tunes of the past.
Organized by the Nepal Music Center in association with the Norwegian Embassy to celebrate 100 years of Nepali music recording and 25 years of Music Nepal, the four day International Folk Music Festival 2008 brought the folk music from around the world to Nepal.
Inaugurated at Nasal Chowk Bashantapur and performed at the Gokarna Forest Resort on November 5, the folk tunes will be performed in other cities also.
At the start, Manjushree dance was played followed by Mangal Dhun in which all the performing artists circled the Nasal Chowk.
The International Folk Tunes Festival is first of its kind held in Nepal where one could listen to the folk tunes of various parts of the world.
Nepal is known as a country of diversity in terms of geography, culture and people. Similarly the country is full of diverse music, too. From hills to mountain and plain, all different indigenous communities living in these areas have their own music instruments.
From life to death and festivals to mourning, various communities use different kinds of music instruments. This is true not only for Nepal but applies globally. All the countries in the world have diversity in folk tunes.
The dancers from far western Nepal performed the very traditional dance Hud Keli, which is normally performed during Dashain and Tihar festivals. A group of men dressed in flowing skirts and carrying different instruments danced and sang songs. To show diversity of Nepal, Tharu dancers performed another interesting but different dance with folk tunes. The Sakhiya Paiya, dance from Dang, mid-western plain, has its own charm and cultural value for Tharu community. The dance, which is normally performed during the period of Maghi, new year of Tharus- is basically for young boys and girls.
After Tharu dance, Norwegian musician Svein Westad performed his music. As the surrounding was filledwith soft sound of Murchunga, the Norwegian musician performed his folk tune.
Being very similar to Nepali, Rajasthan folk artists attracted a large number of crowd when they started their performance. Rajasthan folk artists who played peppy music and the lead vocalist showed very interesting vocal range luring the audiences. Performed during the wedding time, the Rajasthan folk song called Amba Bari Lagani enthralled the crowd. Similarly, the artists from Africa and other parts of the world, too, performed their ethnic and traditional music.
At a time when many folk music are gradually disappearing, this kind of festival helps preserve them. Although there are different styles of performing music, what they have in common is the sound and inner expression regarding love and affections. This is what one could find in the international music festival.
"We are very happy to be a part of this kind of program which helps preserve the folk tunes which evolved through the human evolution. One can find different tastes of music here," said Norwegian ambassador to Nepal Thor Gislesen.
" Nepal is a country of diverse folk songs and folk music," said cultural expert Satya Mohan Joshi, highlighting the importance of folk songs and tunes in the day to day life. "This is a part of our history and culture."
