Ram Tori Maya – two Hindustani singers and piano

Program Notes

I love writing music for young people. This vibrant Hindustani bhajan is a beautiful portrait of Krishna dancing. My arrangement is designed with young musicians from both cultures in mind, with the aim to draw them towards one another, one step at a time.

Recording

Please note: this recording is the string quartet version — piano version will be posted as soon as it is available. The music is the same.

Special Performance Requirements

This is the piano reduction of the original version of this piece, for two Hindustani singers and string quartet. This version of the score may be used when preparing the singers to sing with string quartet, or it may also be used in concert.

Here are the notes from the original version:

This piece is designed specifically for younger performers. Western string players need not have any Hindustani experience, and Hindustani singers need not have any Western music experience: you will figure this out together.

If you are a musical coach who is coaching this piece, please request the study score, so you can see how it is put together pedagogically — it will guide you in helping musicians from both traditions support one another.

If you are a Hindustani singer, please contact us for audio guides to help you learn the piece. This piece is designed for Hindustani singers at two different levels (even a teacher and a student). One part is simply the original bhajan (with some optional additions) and the other part often splits into harmony, and will require a more advanced singer.

Text

Ram tori maya, nach nachave
Nis din mera manva vyakul
Sumiran sudhi nahi ave

Jorat tori, neha sut mera
Nirvarat arujhave
Kehi bhidi bhajan karu more sahib
Barbas mohe satave

Ram tori maya, nach nachave

Premiere/Performances

This piece was written for the Shastra Summer Collaborative 2019. It was recorded on August 11, 2019 at Calvary Presbyterian Church, in Pasadena CA.