Orchestras

The Rajhans Orchestra

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.............is a unique project because of the merging of two different cultural music systems and musicians within one orchestra. The concept of orchestra, as known in Europe, never grew roots on the Subcontinent (perhaps the closest was the Mughal Nahabet Khana). In Asia we observe mainly one soloist versus, and interacting with, one or more percussion instruments, and supported by a drone-instrument. (tambura) In the last decades a development to "jugalbandi", the joint-solo-venture, has emerged (more chamber-music like, 2 soloists plus percussion and drone). Now with the creation of Rajhans orchestra music and performers are merged in a most splendid way, enabling each musician to operate and interact from within his own cultural background and tradition.
Since the later days of the renaissance we observe in Europe the rise of a organized group-performing" which ultimately resulted, through successive stages, in the massive orchestras of the late 19th century. The Rajhans orchestra however is more related to the smaller early 18th century orchestras who, traditionally at that time, were attached and maintained by Europe's noble and royal courts. In those days it used to be quite "exotic" to present let's say in Germany some French or Italian music styles. As the world is "getting smaller", we practice a similar technic in presenting Indian music within our European music, thus creating a new flavour.

The name Rajhans in itself is already a symbiosis of two cultures: "Raj" is a Indian name which means "king", while "Hans", a Flemish name but also existing in India means: "Swan" (the swan is also connected with the history of our West-Flemish capital of Brugge). Joined it reveals: "Royal Swan", the celestial vehicle of the Hindu supreme God Brahma.

 

When one speaks about "orchestra" You have to know that this actually means: a group of musicians unfurling themselves as one unity as one sound; keeping in mind that in order to achieve this goal, the individuality of every member has to yield to team-spirit. In this team the leading role of the composer/conductor is very important because of the first-hand interaction between composer and performers. This statement is extremely important viewing the non-orchestra traditions of the Subcontinent. A careful selection of musicians and a profound briefing to involved musicians is likewise of crucial importance. A multi-cultural orchestra also implies unity in spoken language. When combining two different groups, both are equally important. There must be a mutual language enabling musicians to maintain social contact also outside the rehearsals/concerts, while it is equally of great significance that the project leader should have a basic knowledge of his musicians mother-tongue ( Asian languages as Hindi, Tamil - European languages as Flemish, English, French, German ).

 

The music for the Rajhans orchestra is composed by Hans Vermeersch in close co-operation with the involved musicians. The rules of raga tala and European music theory are closely observed and implied wherever necessary and/or possible. One must not forget that the music of the Indian subcontinent is basically monodic with a supporting and interacting line of percussion , while European music is basically melodic, harmonic and contrapuntal with far less percussion interactions build in. I try to present a musical composition in which a Asian or Western musician can recognize him/herself, and which makes it easier to defend the score on the concert platform. The reaction of a Asian or Western audience towards our music is also very important. It is far to easy to create music successfully for a Western public, and then facing a total disinterested Asian public or vice-versa. Let's say that when I am composing for Rajhans, I feel like the Chef Cook of a international hotel. You always have to look and see for whom You are cooking. Not to spicy? Not to greasy?

RHO created in 94, consisting of European and Indian musians.

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