basant (satb)

The Six Seasons for unaccompanied choir was specially written in 1988-89 for the Paranjoti Academy Chorus and conductor Coomi Wadia and is based on 11th century Sanskrit texts which were translated into Hindi by Vasant Dev. 

Each piece of the Six Seasons is based on a rag traditionally associated with that particular season.  The composer ensures that each voice sings the rag itself, with no voice playing a subsidiary role.  The tal or rhythmic cycle, which is an important characteristic of Hidustani classical music, is very evident with the composer indicating the commencement of every cycle with an "X."

The six movements are sold separately: S-41A Basant (Spring), S-41B Greeshma (Summer), S-41c Varsha (Monsoon), S-41D Sharad (Autumn), S-41E Shishir (Harvest), and S-41F Hemant (Winter).

Complete recordings of the pieces are found on CD-02.  A pronunciaiton CD of the text is available for $4.50.