MUSIC

There are four main types of music in Bangladesh- classical, light classical, devotional, and popular. Classical music has many forms, of which dhrupad-Hindustani devotional songs—and khayal- a blending of the Perso-Arab and Indian musical systems-are the best known. Devotional music also is represented by quwwali and kirtan, forms that are part of the common musical heritage of the subcontinent. It is however, in the field of popular music that Bangladesh can best claim originality. The forms known as bhatiali, bhawaiya,jari,sari,marfati,and baulhave no exact equivalents out side the country While they may appear to lack the sophistication and artistry of the classical forms, they are characterized by a spontaneity and vigour missing in classical music.
Apart from such classical dances as kathakali and bharata-natya-forms that are popular throughout the subcontinent-Bangladesh has evolved highly original indigenous dances. The best known are the dhali, baul,monipuri, and snake dances. Each form expresses a particular aspect of tribal or communal life and is danced on specific occasions. In popular music and dancing alike, improvisation has been traditional. With the increasing commercialization of arts, however, improvisation has been on the wane. The best known among the academies devoted to music and dancing are the Bulbul Academy and the Nazrul Academy.