How Did Italian Musicians Honor Pandit Ravi Shankar's Masterpiece in Kochi?
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Synopsis
Two talented Italian musicians pay homage to the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar's masterpiece 'L'Aube enchantee' in Kochi. Their enchanting performance, infused with emotion, captivates the audience, creating a beautiful cultural exchange that bridges continents.
Key Takeaways
- Tommaso Benciolini and Lorenzo Bernardi honored Pandit Ravi Shankar's iconic work.
- The concert showcased a blend of Indian classical and Italian contemporary music.
- A significant cultural exchange occurred at the Kochi Biennale.
- The performance attracted a diverse audience, highlighting global appreciation for classical music.
- Music serves as a powerful medium for bridging cultural divides.
Kochi, July 19 (NationPress) A remarkable 50 years after the legendary musician Pandit Ravi Shankar created the celebrated L'Aube enchantee ('The Enchanted Dawn') as a duet for two instruments in Raaga Todi, Italian musicians Tommaso Benciolini and Lorenzo Bernardi showcased this 11-minute composition during a captivating flute-and-guitar concert on Saturday.
Flautist Benciolini gently played the morning melody while Bernardi strummed his guitar, enhancing the emotional depth of the classical notes crafted by the iconic sitarist in 1976.
The performance garnered enthusiastic applause at the event held in Mattancherry, where the visiting musicians delivered a 75-minute show, co-hosted by the Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) and the Italian Cultural Institute, in anticipation of the forthcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Within the Indian Chamber of Commerce building, Benciolini and Bernardi prepared their instruments with an electronic tanpura before presenting L'Aube enchantee, which evolved from a collaboration between Ravi Shankar and French flautist Jean-Pierre Rampal alongside guitarist Alexandre Lagoya in the mid-1970s.
“About nine months ago, knowing we would be traveling to India, Lorenzo and I researched to present a piece that resonates with the audience here,” said Tommaso, 34, noting that they have performed this piece at various venues recently.
L'Aube enchantee begins with a brief alaap, setting the emotional tone of Todi, largely developed by the revered Mian Tansen, who performed in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
As Benciolini and Bernardi delivered the composition, part of the transcontinental 'East Meets West' album conceived by Ravi Shankar, the audience listened intently, erupting into cheers at the conclusion of the performance.
The duo then contrasted the dawn raga with 'Nightfall', a contemporary piece revered for its simplicity.
Tuned in a minor scale partly aligning with the Indian classical raga Keeravani, this minimalist composition is by Italian artist Roberto Di Marino.
This was preceded by a three-movement sonatina from Marco Beltrami, a New York-based composer known for his work in Hollywood and television scores.
“This music carries a profound inner dialogue,” Bernardi commented.
The concert commenced with an Italian overture traditionally used to open operas during the Enlightenment.
The longest piece performed was a 22-minute centerpiece by Astor Piazolla, a 20th-century Argentine Tango composer of Italian descent.
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, themed 'For the Time Being', will run for 110 days, kicking off on December 12.
Curated by artist Nikhil Chopra in collaboration with HH Art Spaces, an artist-led organization from Goa, the biennale will conclude on March 31, 2026.
Point of View
The concert in Kochi highlights the enduring impact of Pandit Ravi Shankar's work and the global appreciation of Indian classical music. This event not only showcases the talent of Italian musicians but also emphasizes the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration in the arts.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'L'Aube enchantee'?
L'Aube enchantee ('The Enchanted Dawn') is a two-instrument composition by Pandit Ravi Shankar, originally composed in 1976 for flute and guitar, showcasing Indian classical music's beauty.
Who performed the piece in Kochi?
The piece was performed by Italian musicians Tommaso Benciolini (flute) and Lorenzo Bernardi (guitar) during a concert in Kochi.
What was the occasion for the concert?
The concert was part of the lead-up to the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale, promoting cultural exchange through music.
What other compositions were performed during the concert?
In addition to 'L'Aube enchantee,' the duo performed a contemporary piece 'Nightfall' by Roberto Di Marino and a three-movement sonatina by Marco Beltrami.
When does the Kochi-Muziris Biennale start?
The sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale will open on December 12 and run for 110 days, concluding on March 31, 2026.
