Soothing notes: The audience looks mesmerised (below) as Buddhadev Dasgupta performs at Plaza Hall in Ranchi. Pictures by Manik Bose

Ranchi, Sept. 2: Eminent sarod player Buddhadev Dasgupta, who performed at Plaza Hall here last evening, captivated one and all by his presentation of various ragas.

Dasgupta has performed across the world over the past few decades and thanks to organisers Union Club and Library, music lovers could get a complimentary entry to the concert.

The audience was a balanced mix. Though each member did not have an equal appreciation for classical music, nor were they expected to, but the mixed audience paid serious attention to the programme.

Some local musicians gave a positive assessment of the programme. “This raga, along with puriya kalyan and desh, seems to be the choice of instrumentalists as compared to the vocalists,” a well known local vocalist was heard whispering to his sitarist friend when Dasgupta began playing raga jhinjoti. “Doesn’t it give an altogether different dimension when a maestro plays them?” the sitarist said.

Some members of the audience who seemed to be new to classical music looked equally interested and when the artiste wanted to conclude, no one showed any sign of leaving the hall. As a result, Dasgupta played another short piece before folding up finally.

Accompanied by Debashis Sarkar on the tabla, Buddhadev Dasgupta presented raga jhinjoti elaborately and was as competent as was expected from an artiste of his stature. He followed it up by shorts, picking up tunes of popular Rabindra Sangeet songs such as Sedin dujone dulechhinu bone and Oi janalar dhare.

Thus the audience had the chance of enjoying many ragas, like mishra piloo and khamaj.

Though programmes of classical music have been organised in the state capital at regular intervals over the past two decades, it has seen a decline in recent times. But some enthusiasts are sincerely trying to revive the trend and more programmes are being organised.

Another important feature that came to light last evening was that the artistes and organisers enjoy a cordial relationship among themselves, which would certainly help revive the trend. The organisers, who felicitated the artiste before his recital, also allowed another group, Gharowa, to do the same at the function.

For the past four years, Gharowa has also been working towards building an appreciation for Indian classical music by organising monthly recitals, besides an annual programme.

If such an understanding continues among those who appreciate classical music, it will surely help revive the trend the city once had.