I don’t know much about music. I did have a period in my childhood when I learnt to play the guitar, but it is a stretch to say that I have any training in music. On the other hand, I have listened to many hours of music across many genres over the years, and developed some preferences along the way. What I find interesting about Wari Wari is the thread it pulls across different eras and styles, the same composition, handled very differently each time. I thought it was worth sharing.
Raag Yaman is one of the most commonly performed raagas in Indian classical music. It belongs to the Kalyan thaat, is typically performed in the early evening, and is considered a good introduction for listeners new to the form. It is enjoyable while still having layers. In Bengali, the raag is called Raag Emon. Unlike many Sanskrit-origin words that shift the ya sound to ja in Bengali, this one didn’t. I found that an interesting piece of information.
Ustad Azmat Hussain Khan — Agra Gharana
This is the classical rendition. Ustad Azmat Hussain Khan is from the Agra gharana, one of the older lineages in Hindustani vocal music. Notice the dhrut taal, the fast-cycle rhythmic section in the latter half.
Kaushiki Chakraborty
Kaushiki is one of the stronger modern voices in Indian classical music. This is a full rendition, and it is lovely to listen to.
Berklee College of Music
Two performers. One is singing; the other is beatboxing the entire instrumental ensemble — tabla, sarangi, tanpura drone — with his voice. It runs a little slower than the others, which makes the structure easier to follow. This was perhaps the first version of this song that I came across.
Coke Studio Bangladesh
A Bengali adaptation, produced with a full orchestra and a fair amount of stylistic layering. Different melodic choices, different feel, with a lot more production. Worth hearing as a contrast to the others.
Ritwik Sinha — Cupertino, CA