Where did the original Jo Mange composition come from?

The melodic composition for the current popular version of Jo Mange comes from Bhai Surjan Singh: 

The emphasis of this rendition is obviously on 'Soi Soi Devai,' which is not the rahao tuk. The reason why this is such a powerful line, despite not being the rahao tuk, is because it shows an unsurpassed conviction in 'thakur.' The singer and the listener says, and believes, "Whatever is asked from the lord, he gives it." Optimism abounds, 'chardi kala' lives. I think it works marvelously. 

Cute Kid Sings: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5tM7C1jIng

Perhaps it works is because the rahao tuk has a similar tone to it. 'har jan rakhe gur gobind' - "the lord saves his people."  

Several have followed Bhai Surjan Singh. Each has their own stylism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDco9HTPpE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYqVYNyhGVg


Raag Pahadi

I have a feeling that Raag Pahadi was very popular in the mid 20th century, and Bhai Surjan Singh was inspired by some of the prevalent compositions when he composed the current tune. 

Was sung by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan Sahib, the master of the Patiala Gharana. His favourite bhajan was "Hari om tat sat".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB5sYNmzrb4

About this recording

http://www.chembur.com/anecdotes/badegulam.htm


Pahadi by Munawar Ali Khan singing Hari Om Tatsat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7YP_6Gqiz4


Pahadi by Shiv Kumar Sharma on Santoor.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83K7FZD9qgM


In Raag Dhanasri

Bhai Randhir Singh sings this shabad in dhanasri, one of the only recordings I found of this shabad in Dhanasri. However, the emphasis is still on 'Soi Soi Devai,' not on 'Har jan Rakhe.'
http://keertan.gurmatchanan.com/keertan/Gurmat%20Keertan%20-%20Classical%20Raag/Bhai%20Randhir%20Singh%20%28Hazoori%20Raagi%20Darbar%20Sahib%2CAmritsar%29/2005-02-15%20%28Bhai%20Randhir%20Singh%20Hazoori%20Ragi%29/Jo%20mange%20thakur%20apne%20te-%20Bhai%20Randhir%20Singh.mp3

I have made a composition in Raag dhanasri using "har jan rakhe" as the refrain, and have been singing both these versions. 

If you are the purist and believe the shabad should can have a deep effect only if it is sung in dhanasri, and if the rahao tuk is emphasized. Apparently, this shabad has probably touched more Sikhs in the way it was sung more than perhaps any other shabad. I continue to marvel at what it takes for music to go deep within.  

0 Comments