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Netherlands: World renowned Gandharva Veda vocalist performs in MERU
by Global Good News staff writer

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20 August 2010

On 20 August at MERU, in Holland, Srimati Anita Roy,* a world-renowned Gandharva Veda vocalist, performed a special concert that was broadcast live on the Maharishi Channel. Prior to her concert Ms Roy gave an explanation of the three styles of singing she would perform.

Anita Roy has played in many of the Maharishi Gandharva Concerts for World Peace,** established by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to enliven the soothing, harmonious influence of Gandharva Veda music in the collective consciousness of every nation. Ms Roy has also given many workshops, courses, and private lessons in Gandharva Veda.

Before starting her performance, Ms Roy explained that there are three styles of singing in Maharishi Gandharva Veda. She explained first that Dhrupad, formerly known as Dhruva Pad, means a song 'that is a fixed state of mind'.

Dhruva means fixed and Pada means song, Ms Roy explained. During medieval times, Dhrupad attained its present form, maintaining its spiritual character and dignity. The Raga or melody is introduced with a long prelude, called Alap. The musician improvises each note beginning with the lower octave in a slow tempo. Slowly, the tempo is increased.

Adhering to the basic rules of the Raga, the song is then adorned with various techniques and sung, creating diverse melodic patterns. The musician can use his creative ability to the best of his knowledge, training, and practice.

'The third, semi-classical style of singing is very sweet, melodious expressions of the soft, tender sentiment of love,' Ms Roy explained. Her performance included all three styles of singing.

To hear an online replay of this concert performed by Anita Roy on the Maharishi Channel, please visit the Maharishi Global Family Chat archived webcast from 20 August (following the news report about Nepal, starting about 24 minutes into the video recording).

* Anita Roy has appeared on All India Radio since 1970 as a vocal artist; she has been a member of the Reference Panel of Artists for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations since 1992.  She has both MPhil and MA music degrees in voice from Delhi University; and is a regular teacher and lecturer for Maharishi Vedic Universities in the USA, the Netherlands, and India.

** In 1986, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi inaugurated his Programme to Create World Peace, introducing the theme of creating balance in Nature and peace in the world through the performance of Gandharva Veda music around the world. Under Maharishi's guidance, many of India's most renowned musicians have joined in this world-wide revival of the eternal music of nature. Today, Gandharva Veda musicians continue to perform in concerts around the year, around the world.

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