O Alor Pathojatri :: Sumanta Basu on the Harmonica

Composed by: Salil Chowdhury Original Performers: Indian Peoples Theatre Association (IPTA) Sound, Video, Harmonica & other instruments: Sumanta Basu Hey, the traveller to the light/ such dark a night/ is not the time for you to stop... "O alor pothojatri/e je ratri/ ekhane themo na" -- This very well known Bengali mass song written and composed by Salil Chowdhury may sound like this, if translated. Salil used to write plays, poems and compose songs when he joined IPTA (Indian Peoples Theatre Association), which was a cultural platform for the like minded artists and intellectuals across India, who believed in revolutionary communist movement. Most of Salil's songs, composed in between mid '40s and early '50s were inspired by his pro people, anti-colonial and communist ideology. These were songs of protest, revolution and hope for the workers of our land. Mr. Gautam Chowdhury have written very rightly in his website www.salilda.com, that Salil always remained a strong socialist and always has been a keen observer and critic of the social injustice in our society. It is widely regarded that Salil's compositions for IPTA remain some of the best compositions in the history of modern Indian music. 'O Alor Pathojatri' is one of those jewels. It was originally recorded by the artists of IPTA like Debabrata Biswas, Suchitra Mitra and others during 1949. This song was recorded a number of times by various artists after that. Salil himself recorded it again during 1971. This version reached a different level with the new music arrangement and voices like Manna Dey, Sabita Chowdhury and others. Salil recorded this song once again for an album called "GHUM BHANGAR GAAN" [songs of awakening], where we hear a brief commentary in his voice before the song starts. He says: "O alor pathojatri, e je ratri, ekhane themo na - this song was written and composed to combat the temporary slackness that our struggling people had to face after independence". When I grew up and started trying to play some music, like many others, I too was astonished by the works of Salil Chowdhury. I was lucky enough to listen to all the versions of this song from my childhood. I observed this song as it came to me. The song has two parts. The tune starts like a gospel. The harmony structure suggests that quite strongly. It suddenly turns into a marching pattern in the second part; where the lyric talks about an eternal call to the man kind... the call to change. Here the arrangement is different. The song is not for solo performance. It has been composed in such a manner, so that it can be sung by a choir. Though there are some portions in this song, those are meant for a solo voice [both male and female]. I have noticed that every time Salil recorded the song, he changed the music arrangement and went for a different harmony structure. Perhaps he composed the harmonies considering the performers in mind. And it is also true that Salil was a man, who never repeated himself. 'Alor Pathojatri' was there in my wish list for quite long time; though I never tried to play this song even for my own self. Another challenge was the choral form of the song. The song will have no meaning if it is played without the harmony. I did not restrict myself to think -- 'if four voices can sing a chorus, why can't four harmonicas...' In this song, the rhythm plays a key role. The arrangement can not be done without proper rhythm instruments. So, I had to go to the music store. I bought a Bongo, two Drums, and a Cabacus. I never played them in my life before! While arranging, I did not follow Salil's route as far as the chords and harmonisations are concerned, as it was not my cup of tea. I think I know my limitations. So I took the 'approach' from his composition and started composing the harmony lines afresh. I just kept the main melody line intact. Most probably I started this exercise during January... You may laugh at me for my childishness, but I have thoroughly enjoyed doing that!!! What else can give me such pure joy, if it is not music...? -------------------------------------------- Sumanta Basu. 9 March 2012. Dum Dum Cantonment