Music of Bangladesh

Music Of Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a rich musical heritage. From ancient times, music served the purpose of documenting the lives of the people and was widely patronized by the rulers. Bengali music during this period was mostly linked to spirituality and prayer. Most folk songs relate to some form of praise for the gods and their creation. Songs were associated with particular groups of people, such as fishermen, cart-drivers, hermits and so on.

Modernisation of Bengali music occurred at different times and, for the most part, independent of western influence. Most notable of these changes were:

• Popularity of folk music of Sufi genres: introduction of philosophy and religion in music.
• Introduction of variations of classical music through the works of Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Laureate poet.
• Introduction of complicated musical composition and use of music as a revolutionary tool through the works of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
• Modernization of folk music.
• Fusion of traditional music with Western instrumentation to revitalize and re-popularize Bengali music in a society increasingly overwhelmed by the West.