India Indian music music: musical oddity near genius syncretism
by Warren
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78 rpm Records of Indian Music: The Dacca Orchestral Party
This enchanting ensemble is a mix of Indian and Western instruments with occasional vocals. Googling the name “Dacca Orchestral Party” yields nothing. I wonder: would you have heard this group playing in the lobby of a Grand Hotel in the 1920s?
Wonderful. Surely one of the earliest pieces of East-West Fusion in existence.
Raga Kafi:
The little vocal interlude is priceless.
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Raga Bhairavi:
The string/percussion section at 2:38 is timbrally fascinating. I could never have imagined such a combination; it almost recalls some of Harry Partch’s orchestrations.
Dear Warren,
The “Dhaka Orchestra” founded by Dhir Ali Miah was founded in 1952 in Dhaka. Wondering if this “Dacca Orchestral Party” were the same group you are referring to….
@Dipankar De Sarkar
For references regarding Dhir Ali Miah: http://www.banglapedia.org/HT/M_0282.htm
https://www.facebook.com/dhir.ali1/info
“He worked as assistant music director of the first full-length feature film Mukh O Mukosh produced in Dhaka. Subsequently he was the music director of many feature films, such as Nachghar, Ujala, Joyar Elo, Kavchanmala, Abar Banabase Rupbhan, Dasyurani, and Kajalrekha.” – Banglapedia
Dear Warren, I love all the wonderful music you have posted on youtube, etc. I love Baba’s Lanka Dahan Sarang, great 78 s collection. have you heard the recent post of Ustad Fayaz Khan Darbari over 1 hour Love to you and your family, Chazz
DEAR WARREN,
THESE TWO COMPOSITIONS ARE MUSICALLY PERFECT WITH CLEAR UNDERTONE OF MODERNISM & INSTRUMENTAL EXCELLENCE. VERY FEW ORCHESTRAS HAVE SO MUCH CLARITY & HARMONY OF SOUND. INSTRUMENTS PLAYED/USED ARE BY REAL EXPERTS WITH PERFECTION. COULD YOU INFORM ME IN WHICH YEAR THESE TWO ORCHESTRAS WERE PUT INTO 78 RPM RECORDS? CAN I ALSO SAVE THE SOUND OR MUSIC PART ONLY. I AM AN OLD HINDI FILM SONGS COLLECTOR. BEST WISHES. M. K. SAMANTARAY, GENERAL MANAGER, RESERVE BANK OF INDIA, MUMBAI
Greetings from London. Great job Warren — keep it up!
Came across this line on Wiki, but with no further references: ”Dhir Ali miya,A great music director,reformer of Bangladeshi modern folk songs & also a leader of dhaka orchestra.”
Wonder if it’s something to go by.
Cheers, thanks and regards
Dipankar De Sarkar
Very interesting information! Are there any other sound files in circulation?