Violinist Chintamani Rath performs at an event organised by Bhubaneswar Music Circle at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, July 18: A musical extravaganza dedicated to the monsoon, Megh Malhar, held at the Rabindra Mandap on Sunday was an event with a rare experience for aficionados of classical music.

Organised by the Bhubaneswar Music Circle, the musical event saw waves of Hindustani classical music emerging from the violin of well-known musician Chintamani Rath.

The veteran artiste, who is an adept violinist in both western as well as Indian schools of music, holds a PhD in Hindustani classical music from Rabindra Bharati University, Calcutta has won hearts all over the world through his performances.

At the event on Sunday, Rath illustrated a blend of traditional style of violin with a touch of contemporary imagination when he played the instrument in Hindustani style while it is usually included in Carnatic or Odissi music.

He started off with raga Gauri that began with a calm aalap and transformed into a soothing jod and vibrant jhaala.

Accompanied by young tabla exponent Kulamani Sahoo, Rath moved on to Maaru Vihag.

The duo enchanted the audience beginning with teen taal and then converting the pace to madhya laya (medium pace) and finally to dhruta laya (fast beats).

Paying a tribute to the beautiful monsoon rain through fascinating notes of his violin, Rath also played the perfect raga of the season Megh Malhar.

The Oriya artiste who is now based in Calcutta performed on the timeless Jagannath bhajan by Salabega, Aahe Nila Saila.

The applauses of the listeners were still echoing in the auditorium when Rath impressed them further with the rendition of the folk song, Phula Boula.

“It was a wonderful experience to accompany the noted violinist who performed even the Oriya bhajan and folk song in Hindustani style,” said tabla player Sahoo.

“The rendition of Megh Malhar justified the title of the programme and set the perfect mood for the heavy rains this monsoon,” said Lopamudra Panigrahi, a music lover.

Rath was delighted to be performing in the city after a long time.

“I have settled in Calcutta now, but Lord Jagannath and the traditions of my state are always safe in my heart,” he said.