Fusion notes mark Beating the Retreat
New Delhi Breaking away from the tradition, the Air Force and Navy bands performed an Indo-western fusion at the Beat the Retreat ceremony on Sunday. The bands played Renaissance, a refreshing new rendition of Vande Matram.The echo performance saw Western instruments keeping beat with the shehnai and tabla. The number started with the bands beginning at Vijay Chowk. Their music was soon joined in by shehnai and tabla beats coming from the North Block.
Squadron Leader G Jayachandran, composer of Renaissance and Director (Music), Indian Air Force said, People used to tell us that they like the tunes we play, but cant relate to most of the music. So, we thought of introducing Vande Matram fusion in the programme. Since people know the national song by heart, they enjoyed it even more.
With 27 years of service behind him, Jayachandran has been composing melodies and has participated in Beating the Retreat for many years now.
Parmeshwar