World Music presented Kronos Quartet – David Harrington, John Sherba(violins), Hank Dutt(viola) and Jeffery Zeigler(cell)  with Asha Bhonsle and Zakhir Hussain in ‘India Calling: Songs From R.D. Burman’s Bollywood’ at Berkley Performance Center on Sunday, April 9, 2006. It was an incredible performance and a treat to listen to  73 year old Asha Bhonsle sing some of her best songs.  The guest performer Wu Man gave one of the melodious renditions on Pipa.

The first half of the program ‘The Cusp of Magic’ by Composer Terry Riley highlighted the fusion of Chinese Pipa and the western strings. The work is in six movements: ‘The cusp of magic’,  ‘Buddha’s bedroom’, ‘The Nursery’, ‘Royal Wedding’, ‘Emily and Alice’, and ‘Prayer Circle’.  The performance was far beyond what you hear in a typical string quartet.  They were triggering orchestra samples and synthesizers from their violins.  Their inclusion of sounds of toys in the movement ‘Nursery’ and a doll singing Russian Folk melody in ‘Emily and Alice’ was exceptional. 

Audience had to wait through the intermission for Asha and Zakhir’s performance, but the wait was well worth it.    The rendition of their favorite, ‘Chura Liya hai tumne’ was marvelous. A few might differ on that and claim Asha’s rendition of that song 33 years ago was much better. The ambience the rendition had created was beyond any comparison.   She sang the song ‘Koi Aaya Aane Bhi De’ from their album ‘You have stolen my heart’.

From the moment Asha was on stage she stole the heart of audience.  She danced with David, she told a few jokes and captivated the audience. She sang ‘Dum maro Dum’ and one of the very difficult songs of all time ‘Mera Kuch Saman’ from movie Ijaazat.  Her rendition of last line of song ‘mai bhi vahi so jaauu gi’ was mesmerizing.  The program ended with grand finale, ‘Piya tu aab to aaja’, the super hit song of all time. 

They played several compositions of R.D Burman and awed the audience.  Everybody wished the night never ended and Asha sang few more songs and wished they could listen to more of Zakhir’s tabla.   The group received a standing ovation. 

About the group:
Kronos performs thousands of concerts worldwide and is one of the celebrated ensembles. The group has extraordinary breadth and creativity and has collaborated with world’s eclectic composers. They were drawn to R.D Burman’s compositions and Bollywood.   In 2005, they have collaborated with Asha Bhonsle to produce ‘You’ve Stolen My Heart: Song’s  from R.D. Burman’s Bollywood.’, which has been nominated fro Grammy.

Finally, World Music is bringing Zakir Hussain to the Boston area on May 18th. For details, visit www.worldmusic.org.

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