| Folk Songs
The main varieties of folk songs may be classified into three groups-Baul,
Bhatiali, and Sari. Baul songs are compositions of the Bauls - wandering
minstrels of the Sahajiya sect who seek by their own special way of spiritual
quest to discover God. They are usually un lettered but deeply wise in
their mystic philosophy and compose songs in their moments of inspiration
and dance as they sing, oblivious of their surroundings in their ecstasy.
The melodic structure of the songs are simple and shows the basic models
in the major and minor scales and the tempo is quick and tripping. Bhatiali
is a song of the river side and broad fields, drawing out in long, slow
measure and with a melancholy content generally a contemplative yearning
for a beloved. Sari is essentially the boatmen's song, rendered with verve
to the accompaniment of vigorous rhythmic strokes of the oar as the boat
glides on the river and is usually sung in chorus. The melodic structure
of both types are simple.
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