Utsyo Chakraborty: Mahabhūta Symphony - 1: Prithvi (2024)

Mahabhūta: great elements (Sanskrit)
Prithvi: earth (Sanskrit)
After composing in a relatively international style for some time, I felt a growing need-fueled by requests from performers and listeners-to express myself through an idiom inspired by the rich and diverse culture of my homeland. However, I wanted to approach this in a way different from typical world music. I tried to infuse my love for music with a modernist flavour with the thoughts and ideas that permeate my Indian way of life. "Navrasa" for piano, based on the nine emotions in Indian performing arts, was my first step in this direction.
The concept of the pancha mahabhūta has always been a part of my consciousness. According to Hindu philosophy, any human or cosmic creation is a holistic unification of five great elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Reflecting on these ideas inspired me to conceive a large-scale orchestral work. This initial conception eventually developed into a symphony, my first attempt in six years (my previous attempts in the genre have been suppressed).
"Prithvi," an abstract representation of the earth, was composed over two months, from June to August 2024.

[@DanielAlvarezVeizaga]

I enjoy this movement very much! Congratulations 🍾

[@AnatoArchives]

Impressive! I love how it feels so timeless! (I lost track of time replaying amazing parts)

[@beth_levin_piano]

Astonishing! Looking forward to the evolution of the entire symphony!

[@pre6376]

это просто потрясающе!!!! такое мастерство!!! вы всех потрясете!!!!!!!!

[@anastasiavinogradova_composer]

The first movement of an absolute masterpiece of our time ! Congratulations !

[@jamesricci5493]

Fabulous music! It's totally engaging from beginning to end. The universe of textures and color seems endless. It's a major achievement in both scope and expression - a breakthrough. Any major orchestra should be vying for the opportunity to offer the world premiere (IMHO).

[@problemlover]

Sooo... Good! 😮

[@tommyron]

Colors, gestures and pacing are all very effectively deployed. Great writing, congratulations!

[@MicoAquinoComposer]

This is **absolutely** phenomenal, dear Utsyo! I've always longed to hear a symphony composed by you! This made my day.

[@stephenjablonsky1941]

A very impressive piece of work. I keep thinking it was the great grandson of Schoenberg's Summer Morning by the Lake. I tend to think of symphonies as musical monuments but this seems more like a vivid dream. I have every expectation that some orchestra would be happy to give this a world premiere.

[@shadmium3471]

wahhh bhai very nice

[@stefan.kraus-composer]

My highlight of the day. Bravo!!

[@SatoruTakishima]

Thank you for your wonderful music and performance. So elegant, soft, smooth, active, dramatic and interesting. I like your performance. Please continue to listen to many wonderful performances. Have a great weekend, good luck and much success. Satoru

[@thecelestialvoyager]

...and you composed this in two months. Now I am inspired. Well done!

[@anandseshadripianist_compo3196]

❤ Well done!

[@UtsyoChakraborty]

My conversations with you have inspired me!

[@anandseshadripianist_compo3196]

@@UtsyoChakrabortyThanks a lot 🙏🙏🙏 Go seek yourself/find yourself :D There lies all bliss/fulfillment ❤️❤️❤️😄

[@basedscores]

My astonishment exceeded the limits, listening this piece, such a delicacy upon this evening, seriously I want to discuss about your thoughtprocess on being a self taught composer composed this masterpiece, and as a self taught composer of lowermost order, I can learn a lot about composing from you

[@UtsyoChakraborty]

Thank you for your kind words! Feel free to reach out to me through email. My id is [e-mail]

[@DRORELIMELECH120V]

Very good !

[@David_Goza]

Wow! How evocative!

[@samirpathan5535]

Waiting for 2nd movt.😁

[@ooinu]

I enjoyed this music very much! You show great skill at orchestration and the piece has a very natural flow from one idea to another. I am curious, however about the use of the alto saxophone... It stands out to me - almost as if it was the primary "voice" of the piece, as if it was the voice of 'Prithvi'. Do I have that right?1 Also, did you consider using a different instrument for this part such as an alto flute or English horn? Regardless, continued success and looking forward to hearing more of this symphony!

[@UtsyoChakraborty]

You’ve hit it right on the nail! I have the idea of having a “main voice” for each element whose spirit hovers around the movement (without always sounding). I chose the alto sax precisely because of your reason - its prominent characteristic timbre. An alto flute or English horn would have merged with the unified orchestral mass.