That simplicity is the best way to win an evening was evident at the Music Mind session at the upper galleries of the Victoria Memorial on World Music Day. It was a perfect setting in all its sylvan glory - a freshly done-up gallery, lovely acoustics, an appreciative crowd - with the influences of western classical music and Tagore.

Minimalistic words of welcome set the tone as Prabuddha Raha's dulcet notes - he sang " E Monihar Amay Nahi Saje" - warmed their way in people's hearts. Raha - one of the most underrated singers in the circuit, with immense training and experience - was given perfect company by Soumitra Sengupta on the piano. Together, they belted out one gem after another. Raha was in excellent form, which peaked when he sang the Raga Paraj-based 1903 composition, "Gobhiro Rajani Namilo". This was one of the best renditions of the song heard in recent times, and Sengupta's haunting interludes added verve to it.

The duo of Raha and Sengupta followed up with another 1897 jewel, " Bodhu Miche Raag Koro Na", with a clever interspersing of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 . While the tunes are in no way similar, the subtle references and structure were so apt that only the discerning listener, perhaps, could nail it down. Midway, Sengupta played the Roger Whittaker version of " Koto Baar Bhebechinu" and the evening's narrator, Sujoy Prasad Chatterjee, turned in a well-rounded rendition of the song.

Raha and Sengupta continued to mesmerize with a few more songs, of which " Tumi Kon Kanoner Phool" certainly deserves special mention. In conclusion, it must be said that this was one of the best collaborative efforts seen in recent times - everyone contributed equally and were in absolute tandem with one another.