BBC TV - Rhythms of India

Subject: BBC TV - Rhythms of India
From: Vic Smith
Date: 03 Jun 19 - 06:55 AM

For those with a wider interest in tradirtional music, can I strongly recommend the BBC 4 series, Rhythms of India. The British born Bengali, Soumik Datta, travels around India seeking out survivals of traditional music in that rapidly changing country. From the first programme, this looks to be a well-researched and fascinating documentary and Soumik is a enthusiastic and excellent presenter. Here is the the BBC's synopsis of the second programme in the series:-

Soumik Datta continues his musical travels around India in the southern state of Kerala, home to some of the oldest religious music in the country. He visits the Panchari Melam, a spectacular Hindu festival with extraordinary displays of massed drumming. And in Maharashtra, he discovers how the brass band tradition, with its origins in the military bands of the British Raj, is falling out of favour as the staple of Indian wedding processions.

In Bengal he encounters Baul singers, mystic minstrels whose music is intended to spread a message of spiritual enlightenment. And in the deserts of Rajasthan he discovers how the rich folk heritage of the region is drawing tourists from around the world and helping to sustain communities.

Throughout his journey, he marvels at how the music of ordinary people continues to play an important role in their lives and reflects on the challenges facing communities across India as they adapt to a fast-changing world.

It is currently available on BBC i-Player at https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0005hh7/rhythms-of-india-series-1-2-music-of-the-people

Subject: RE: BBC TV - Rhythms of India
From: GUEST,nickp (cookieless)
Date: 04 Jun 19 - 04:21 AM

I can recommend it too - especially having been there earlier this year and seen some of the places (and a featured busker!).

It's the usual 'got to be in the UK to watch unless you can trick your computer' I suspect. No doubt Bonzo can give others some clever technical way round it.