JOIN USMass Band proves 'mass entertainer' again
Mass Band on Palace premises on Thursday was not just a musical treat, but also the journey of the band from princely State to democratic nation.
What set the tone for the day was- the centenary of Karnataka Classical Band.
In all 32 police bands from equal number of districts in the State forming mass band kept the connoisseurs glued to their performance in the backdrop of lofty Amba Vilas Palace that had enhanced look with illumination.
The mass band classified as ; English Band and Karnataka Classical Band comprising 300 artistes spread in 20 troupes, playing different instruments spread a musical fragrance for one hour and 45 minutes to the audience irrespective of the oldand the young.
The English Band (earlier Palace Band) that has its roots in the erstwhile rule of Wadiyars was led by their master M K Rajendra. Karnataka Classical Band has B C Sudhanva as master. The musical sojourn began with the rendition of royal fanfare by Herald Trumpets troupe, followed by Astonet (quick march), general salute to VIP, Rajasthan (slow march) and queen’s colours (Quick and slow march) by all units, Lay all your love on me- Abba by English Band, Brahmanda Valaye Maye by Karnataka Classical Band, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony by English Band, Neeravadi Sukhada... written by Sri Tyagaraja and rendered by Karnataka Classical Band, A’lla Figaro by English Band. It was again followed by the performance of all units- jal pakshi (Slow march), Abide with me and culminating with ‘Saare Jahanse Accha’.
Some of the compositions were also significant for undergoing various changes and being in circulation for over a century. The song titled- Lay on your love- Abba is the soul behind a song in ‘Baazigar’ a runaway hit bollywood movie of Shah Rukh Khan.
Tony Mathew had successfully arranged the orchestra for the band.The queen’s colours is 133-year-old and ‘Brahmanda valaye...’ was from the 25th and last ruler of Mysore Jayachamaraja Wadiyar. It was a visual treat to watch the artistes taking out march past in sync with the tune in acme.
Speaking to media later, deputy chief minister R Ashoka who also holds home and transport portfolios said; he had asked the mass police band to come out with new compositions to avoid repetitions. Medical education and district in-charge minister S A Ramdas, acting DG and IG Lal Rokhuma Pachau, police commissioner K L Sudheer, principal district and sessions court judge Mohan S Sankolli, deputy commissioner P S Vastrad were prominent among those dignitaries in the audience.