Fusion music to debut at Beating Retreat

For the first time, fusion music will be part of the Beating Retreat ceremony, marking the culmination of the 63rd Republic Day celebrations.

New Delhi: For the first time, fusion music will be part of the Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk Sunday, marking the culmination of the 63rd Republic Day celebrations.

The fusion music, based on the national song “Vande Mataram” that has caught the imagination of several generations beginning with freedom fighters during the British rule, will be a mix of harmony, Indian and Western classical music. “The fusion music will be played by the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF) bands at the Beating Retreat ceremony. There will be a French Horn solo followed by the trumpet call. The question and answer will be played by the mass band and shenai,” according to IAF`s assistant public relations officer Squadron Leader Priya Joshi. “The shenai will be played by Corporal R.T. Koravar and tabla by Corporal B. Roy. The two Indian music instruments will be used to play a fusion composition penned by Squadron Leader Jayachandran, who is the director-music of IAF,” Joshi added. While the mass bands will play Western classical, Indian classical music will be performed along with the tubular bells from the North Block precinct. A total of 39 bands from the army, navy and air force will perform at the ceremony, of which 14 are military bands and 17 pipes and drums. Navy and the air force will contribute eight bands in all to the event which will be attended by President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other dignitaries. Beating Retreat will culminate with “Sare Jahan Se Accha” penned by Iqbal. IANS