A Study of Oriental Music in European Notation by A.M.Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār Aishwarya Shankar Full Time Research Scholar Queen Mary’s College Chennai Introduction In general term, music of Eastern countries including India in terms of their location relative to Europe is referred as ‘Oriental Music’. A.M.Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār (AMC), a great scholar and connoisseur of both Indian and Western music, took on himself the herculean task of bringing out the Oriental music, for the benefit of Western musicians. The purpose of his publication was to make Oriental music available in a transparent universal European staff musical notation system to overcome linguistic and national differences. The tireless efforts of A.M.Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār explained and conveyed the universality of character of our Karnāṭaka classical music melodies to the western scholars who were eager to understand our music. In 19th Century, many foreign musicologists like Sir Clements Ernest, Fox Strangways and many more showed keen interest in Indian music, for which AMC’s ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’ paved as a bridge platform to understand and explore the intricacies of Karnāṭaka music. Publications A.M.Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār was firm that European staff notation was the suitable way of representing and preserving Karnāṭaka music. In 1892, he began a colossal work, the monthly periodicals ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’ which was first published in 1893 with the help of his brother A. Ayyāsvāmi Mudaliyār. He published the theory of Oriental music in comparison with Western music and numerous compositions in a special adaptation of European Staff notation. At present, we find three editions of the book available. 1. AMC’s Original Version, 1893 The original version of this book is available as a scan copy, traced from Maraimalai Aḍigaḷ library. Due to lack of preservation & care, some portions of the periodicals are not found according to the contents given in the book. 2. ‘Tamilnādu Iyal Isai Nāṭaka Mandram’ version – Edited by Prof. P. Sāmbamūrthy and Prof.P. Bālakṛṣṇan, 1973 A copy of this book was decided to be reproduced by ‘Tamilnādu Iyal Isai Nāṭaka Mandram’ with the help of Late Prof. P. Sāmbamūrthy and Prof. P. Bālakṛṣṇan, who took the full responsibility of editing the book with great devotion so that – “the present generation may realize the efforts taken by AMC in those days and his sincere services in propagating our ancient music to Western music lovers” as stated in the preface of this book by S.D. Sundaram, Ex. Hon. Secretary, Tamilnādu Iyal Isai Nāṭaka Mandram. 3. Version Edited by Gowri Kuppuswāmy and M. Hariharan , 2003 Another edited publication of this work is made available by Gowri Kuppuswāmy and M Hariharan, who have stated in their preface that they have altered the original scripts of the songs which were in Telugu into Nāgari and Roman scripts with the help of Sri K. Muraḷidhar Rāo of Mysore to ease its use by wide segment of both Indian and Western musicians. In comparison of this book with the original publication (1893), we find those songs were already made available in Telugu, Tamil and Roman scripts. About A.M. Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār With a master’s in Latin and music from Madras University, and a deep interest in English literature, Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār developed an intense passion for Karnāṭaka music. Amazed at the beauties of Karnāṭaka music, he not only wanted the western world to understand this system, but also preserve it for posterity by putting it down in Staff notation. With the aim of making Oriental music a universal language, he faced great difficulty to collect authentic versions of the compositions of Tyāgarāja, Dīkșitar and other south Indian composers to transcribe them into western notation. For this purpose he sought out representative of the direct siṣya parampara of Tyāgarāja like Wālājāpet Kṛṣṇasvāmi Bhāgavatar and the descendant of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar being Subbarāma Dīkșitar, whom Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār described as “the direct representative of one of the most scientific of our Beethoven and Mendelssohn families”. Besides all the three versions of this book, it is important to note that in the book ‘A Dictionary of South Indian Music and Musicians of Prof. P. Sāmbamūrthy - Volume IV (O-S)’ edited by Dr. M.B. Vēdavalli, it is mentioned that “AMC also had access to the Umayālapuram disciples of Tyāgarāja along with Wālājāpet Kṛṣṇasvāmi Bhāgavatar and not to any other disciples of Tyāgarāja”. AMC and Subbarāma Dīkșitar According to Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini (SSP), AMC’s undaunted pursuit of his objective for the publication of SSP produced a result of momentous significance - coming into touch with Eṭṭayapuram Samastānam and Court musician there, Subbarāma Dīkșitar. In ‘The Hindu’ and in the pages of ‘Oriental Music’, it is found that Subbarāma Dīkșitar and AMC corresponded with each other their valuable knowledge. The former called AMC as “Avatāra Puruśa” and the latter took the former as his Guru and got him thrice to stay with him in Madras to enlighten him on science and art of Karnāṭaka music, intricacies of rāga system of ‘Veṅkaṭamakhi’ tradition and gamakās in particular. Thus their association helped AMC to write about many compositions of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar. AMC had labored hard, faced acute difficulties and had reached a stage in which he was unable to publish all the material he had written down. His eye sight was badly affected. It was at this juncture that AMC visited Eṭṭayapuram and personally appealed to all those who mattered including the Rājah himself, that his unfulfilled mission should be completed by the Samastānam and Subbarāma Dīkșitar should be urged and helped to publish in notation at least in Telugu script, the entire music of the Dīkșitar tradition which resulted in the publication of the monumental work ‘Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini’. Contents The contents are given in a same manner as given in the original version of ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’. Contents of First Issue i) Oriental Music - A Hidden Treasure ii) Efforts made to redeem the treasure in Southern India iii) Difficulties to be Surmounted iv) Defects in existing system of Notations - Indian and European v) The staff notation system the Best Available vi) Its Special Advantages vii) Improvements to effected viii) Cooperation of both Western and Eastern absolutely necessary ix) Why Europeans dislike Oriental Music x) Why Orientals do not appreciate European Music xi) Peculiarities in European Music :Modes - Development of Harmony xii) Peculiarities in Oriental Music: Modes - Development of Melody xiii) Various Schools xiv) Karnāṭaka System xv) Styles of great masters xvi) Authenticity of their works xvii) Difficulties in the way of using the Western and Eastern Systems xviii) Effects producible by Possible Combinations xix) Steps proposed to be taken xx) Plan of present work xxi) Concluding Remarks 2. Extract from the Merchant of Venice (Act V) on Music 3. Scheme of Translation adopted 4.Compositions of Tyāgarājayya 5. Alphabetical Index of Tyāgarājayya's kritīs ( First Half) 6. Compositions of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar 7. Compositions of Sēshayyaṅgār 8. Rāmāyaṇa Kīrtanās 9. Miscellaneous Songs 10. Foreign Music 11. Addenda and Corrigenda Contents of the Second Issue 1. Supplement I - Lakṣaṇa Gītās 2. Svarajatīs 3. Varṇās 4. Life and works of Tyāgarājayya 5. Alphabetical Index of Tyāgarājayya's Kritīs ( Second Half ) 6. Compositions of Tyāgarājayya 7. Navagraha Kritīs of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar 8. Compositions of Śyāma Śāstri 9. Compositions of Sadāśiva Rāo 10. Compositions of Kulaṣēkhara Maharāja 11. Compositions of Subramaṇiayya 12. Hindustani AIRS and Jāvaḷis 13. Addenda and Corrigenda Contents of Third Issue 1. Supplement I - Lakṣaṇa Gītās 2. Supplement II – Svarajatīs 3. Supplement III - Tāna Varṇās 4. Compositions of Tyāgarājayya 5. Compositions of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar 6.Compositions of Vīṇa Kuppayya 7. Compositions of Kulaṣēkhara Maharāja 8. Compositions of Ghanam Kṛṣṇayya 9. Jayadēva – Aṣṭapadīs 10. Rāmāyaṇa Padams 11. Popular Reels and Jigs 12. Hindustāni Melodies 13. Addenda and Corrigenda Contents of Fourth Issue 1. Supplement I - Lakṣaṇa Gītās 2. Supplement II – Svarajatīs 3. Supplement IV- Tāna Varṇās 4. Compositions of Tyāgarājayya 5. Compositions of Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar 6. Compositions of Śyāma Śāstri 6. Compositions of Subbarāya Śāstri 7. Compositions of Subramaṇiayya 8. Compositions of Pallavi Gōpālayya 9. Compositions of Dorasāmiayya 10. Compositions of Rāmasvāmi Piḷḷai 11. Jayadēva – Aṣṭapadīs 12. Popular Reels and Jigs 13. Hindustāni Melodies 14. Addenda and Corrigenda Scope and Importance AMC considered the publication of ‘Oriental music in European Notation’ as the only way to quote in his own words – “To Extricate, the treasures of the Oriental Music – Hidden Treasure from darkness of secrecy and labyrinths of intricacy by which they are environed”. He also said that merits of Oriental Music will never be properly recognized until its best compositions are reduced to the most popular form of European notation, advantage of which will be placed permanently before the eyes of the whole world instead of being addressed in a transitory form, as at present to the ears of the few listeners. In other words, Oriental music will become “universal and will no longer remain exclusive”. The scope of Research in this work of AMC is very wide and interesting to explore, which requires understanding of the nuances of Western system of notation, Karnāṭaka music and interpreting skills of Telugu, Roman and Nāgari scripts. ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’ – being the foremost publication(1893), focusing Karnāṭaka music Compositions in staff notation and the association of its author with Subbarāma Dīkșitar and direct disciple of Tyāgarāja, gives ample scope and curiosity for comparative study and analysis of its contemporary works like ‘Prathamābhyāsa Pustakamu’ (PAP) and Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini (SSP) of Subbarāma Diksitar and Various paṭāntarās of Tyāgarāja’s compositions, compositions of Śyāma Śāstri, Subbarāya Śāstri, Gōpālakṛṣṇa Bhārati, Rāmāyaṇa padams of Aruṇācala Kavi and many others to find out the differences & similarities and to analyse the extent to which the tradition is being maintained in recent times. Comparative Study of AMC Staff Notation with SSP and PAP In this book, the composition ‘Vīṇāpustakadhāriṇi’ of Śri Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar and ‘Dēvādi Dēva’ of Tyāgarāja given in Staff notation by A M Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār is taken for a comparative study and analysis with Subbarāma Dīkșitar’s “Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini” and ‘Prathamābhyāsa Pustakamu’ respectively. 1. Vīṇāpustakadhāriṇi – Vēgavāhini (AMC’s Oriental Music, 1893) (SSP, 1904) General Observation: According to the description of the composition ‘Vīṇāpustakadhāriṇi’ given in Oriental Music by AMC, the following are observed: Vēgavāhini is given as the Janya of Cakravāham (16th Mēḷakarta). The tāḷa of the composition is Jampa said to be rendered in a speed expressed as Met. ♪ = 144 (Count by quaveres) i.e.., 144 quavere beat are to be sung in a minute. The style of execution of this composition is given as `Maestoso` (Latin Word) which means it should be performed in a majestic style. According to the description of the composition ‘Vīṇāpustakadhāriṇi’ given in SSP by Subbarāma Dīkșitar, the following are observed: Vēgavāhini is given as the rāgānga rāga of agni( III ) cakra and bhū (IV) mēla Category Subbarāma Dīkșitar’s SSP , 1904 AMC’s Oriental Music, 1893 Arōhaṇa Obs – I Observation: In Oriental Music, the Arōhaṇa is given as ‘vakra’ form –‘ s r g m p d n d ṡ ‘. In SSP, it is given as ‘ s r g m p d n,’ in a krama form. Tāḷa Jampa Khaṇḍa ēka Obs – II Observation: As seen above, the tāḷas given in Oriental Music and SSP are Jampa Tāḷa and Khaṇḍa Jāti ēka tāḷa which have 10 and 5 akṣara kāḷas respectively. Although both are different tāḷas, their counts match with each other as the Khaṇḍa Jāti ēka Tāḷa is to be rendered in two kaḷais. Pallavi Obs - III Interpretation: SSP – Pallavi: Observation: In the above phrase we can see that the ending note is ‘r’ in Oriental Music, but it is come down as ‘s’ in SSP. Pallavi Obs - IV Interpretation: SSP – Pallavi: Observation: In the above phrase, we see that ‘vēga’ starts from the tāra sthāyi ‘Ṡ’ in Oriental Music, but it starts from madhya sthāyi ‘S’ and goes to the mandra sthāyi further. Also, the phrase ‘dṡnd’ is given as ‘dndp’ in SSP. Pallavi Obs – V Interpretation: SSP – Pallavi: Observation: Similar to earlier observation (Obs – V), The Phrase given from madhya sthāyi to tāra sthāyi in Oriental Music is given in mandra sthāyi in SSP. Pallavi Second Saṅgati not present in AMC’s Obs –VI Oriental Music book version Anupallavi Obs - VII SSP – Pallavi: Interpretation: SSP - Anupallavi: Observation: In the above phrase, the ‘n’ to be sung from ‘ṡ’ as ‘ṡ n’ and ‘pmmp’ as given in Oriental Music is given along with the Pratyāghāta gamaka ( ) and Kampita gamaka ( ) respectively. The ending note in Oriental Music version is ‘p’ against the presence of ‘M’ in SSP. Anupallavi Obs - VIII Interpretation: SSP – Anupallavi: Observation: In the above phrase, ‘gmgmp’ is plain in AMC’s Oriental Music but it is given with ‘Anusvara’ and Pratyāghāta gamaka (∵) in SSP. In ‘kuṭām’ the `tām` touches ‘ṡ’ from ‘p’ and then lands in ‘d’ which is not so in SSP. Anupallavi Obs - IX Second Saṅgati not present in AMC Version SSP – Anupallavi: Anupallavi Obs – X Interpretation: SSP – Anupallavi: Observation: In the above phrase, the melody of ‘ēkāgra’ has been given as in Oriental Music but in SSP it is given as ‘Ṡṡṁġ’. Anupallavi Obs - XI Interpretation: SSP – Anupallavi: Observation: In the above phrase, a speed difference is seen in the execution of the melody for sāhitya ‘dhyātām’ among of the two. Caraṇa Obs - XII Interpretation: SSP – Caraṇa: Observation: In the above phrase, According to Oriental Music – In ‘sDdnd’ , ‘d’ to be sung from ‘n’ and ‘m’ in ‘pmmp’, ‘m’ is to be sung from ‘p’ . This is mentioned in SSP along with Pratyāghāta gamaka (∵) and Kampita gamaka ( Caraṇa Obs - XIII ) respectively. SSP – Caraṇa: Interpretation: Observation: In the above phrase, the melody of the ‘svarūpā’ is plain in Oriental Music but it is given with Pratyāghāta gamaka ( ∵ ) and Kampita gamaka ( ). The melody of vakāśām in Oriental Music is but in SSP, it is given as Caraṇa Obs - XIV Interpretation: SSP - Caraṇa: Observation: In the melody of ‘Pourṇami’, there is a change in Anusvara and Kampita gamaka ( in SSP. Caraṇa Obs - XV ) is added to ‘M’ SSP – Caraṇa: Interpretation: Observation: In the above phrase, the melody consists of second and third speed which is not seen in SSP. Caraṇa Obs - XVI Interpretation: SSP – Caraṇa: Observation: In the melody of ‘campaka’, phrase ‘dndp’ in third speed is given as ‘pDp’ in SSP unlike Oriental Music. Caraṇa Second Saṅgati not present SSP – Caraṇa: Interpretation: SSP – Caraṇa: Obs -XVII Caraṇa Obs -XVIII Observation: In the above phrase, there is a change in the melody of ‘prapañcasaṅkō’ and Kampita gamaka ( added to the melody of ‘kāsām’ in ‘M’. Caraṇa Obs - XIX Interpretation: SSP – Caraṇa: ) is Observation: In the above phrase, there is slight change in the melody of ‘mānanavilōka’ where ‘vilōka’ ends as ‘ṙ Ṡ ṡ’ in SSP, Kampita gamaka ( ) and Pratyāghāta gamaka ( ∵ ) are also added. Caraṇa Obs - XX Interpretation: SSP – Caraṇa: Observation: In the above phrase, the starting note ‘g’ is plain in Oriental Music but this is given an emphasis with nokku (w) in ‘g’. Also, the starting note on ‘vigrahām’ is given with Pratyāghāta gamaka (∵) in SSP. On comparing the composition in both Oriental Music and SSP, it is found that the structure on the whole has not undergone a major change. The main differences between these two versions are observed in terms of ‘Change in Anusvara, Saṅgati, Pitch, speed of the phrases and melody. It is important to note here that AMC has also given a composition of Tyāgarāja as well in ‘Vēgavāhini – Callaganātō’, the version of which is different with that of Dīkșitar’s Vēgavāhini. In Tyāgarāja’s tradition, Vēgavāhini is a Janya of Cakravāham. Its scale is ‘Arō : S R G M D N D S Ava: S N D P M G R S’ – ‘vakra sampūraṇa’ rāga. 2. Dēvādi Dēva – Sindhurāmakriya (AMC’s Oriental Music, 1893) (PAP, 1905) General Observation: According to the description of the composition ‘Dēvādi Dēva’ given in Oriental Music by AMC, the following are observed: Sindhurāmakriya is given as the Janya of Māyāmāḷavagauḷa (15th Mēḷakarta). The tāḷa of the composition is Dēṣādi (i.e the starting of the song will be after 3 quavers in the bar) said to be rendered in a speed expressed as Met. ♪ = 208 (Count by quaveres) i.e.., 208 quavers beat are to be sung in a minute. The style of execution of this composition is given as `Vivace` (Latin Word) which means it should be performed in a lively and quick style. According to the description of the composition ‘Dēvādi Dēva’ given in PAP by Subbarāma Dīkșitar, it is given as a note that “In all printed books that this kīrtana ‘Dēvādi Dēva’ is in Sindhurāmakriya rāga of Mālavagauḷa mēla. Veṅkaṭamakhi not only said that Sindhurāmakriya rāga which is i Śivapantuvarāḷi is an upāṅga rāga in the second part of his 45th rāgānga rāga Lakṣaṇa gīta, but also that ‘ri’ in the avarōhaṇa is vakra in the rāga lakṣaṇa ślōka of Sindhurāmakriya”. Category Tāḷa Subbarāma Dīkșitar’s PAP , 1905 AMC’s Oriental Music, 1893 Dēṣādi Ēka Obs – I Observation: The tāḷa of the composition is given as ‘Dēṣādi’ in Oriental Music and ‘Ēka’ tāḷa in ‘PAP’ whose akṣara kāḷas are as follows: Dēṣādi - 8; Ēka - 4. Although both the tāḷas are different, two cycles of ‘Ēka’ tāḷa will constitute one cycle of ‘Dēṣādi’. PAP – Pallavi: Pallavi Obs – II Translation: Interpretation: Observation: In the above phrase, the placement of ‘dēvādi’ after ‘nayana’ while ending the pallavi it starts from samam in PAP unlike Oriental Music where the graha of ‘dēvādi’ remains same. PAP – Anupallavi: Anupallavi Obs - III Not present Interpretation: Translation: Observation: In the above phrase, the placement of ‘dēvēśa’ after ‘hari’ while rendering the whole sāhitya ‘dēvēśa pitāmaha…..’ it starts from samam in PAP unlike Oriental Music where the graha of ‘Dēvēśa’ remains same. PAP – Caraṇa: Caraṇa Obs - IV Interpretation: Translation: Observation: In the above phrase, the placement of ‘…kāśa’ slightly differs in the speed of the phrase On comparing this composition ‘Dēvādi Dēva’ in both Oriental Music and PAP, it is found that the structure and melody of the song is almost the same. Only subtle differences are noted in the inception of Pallavi and Anupallavi in repetition. Gamakas adopted by AMC and Subbarāma Dīkșitar in Notation AMC has given notation according to the structure of the compositions. He has attempted to incorporate few gamakas like Sphurita ( ∴ ), Pratyāghāta gamaka ( ∵ ) and Khaṇḍimpu (√) which is similar to its counterpart acciaccatura ( ) in western music. For the gamaka nokku (W), there is no exact replication in western music but the slur used in western music infers a slight shortening of its note. Similarly, Subbarāma Dīkșitar has also incorporated few symbols based on Western Notation like Dalsegno ( ) & Repeat Symbol ( ) which show the repetition of lines and Fermata Symbol ( ) that denotes a long pause and Fin. Symbol meaning ‘End’. CONCLUSION ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’ is one of the foremost book comprising of numerous compositions of various important south Indian composers notated in the view of global reach. Although AMC learnt compositions of ‘Muttusvāmi Dīkșitar’ from Subbarāma Dīkșitar and notated, we could find few differences in the SSP (1904) and Oriental Music (1893). For the purpose of annotating Tyāgarāja’s works, the services of Kṛṣṇasvāmi Bhāgavatar of Wālājāpet who belonged to the direct siṣya parampara of Tyāgarāja, helped validating the authenticity of Tyāgarāja’s compositions. With the view to verify the correctness of the music as noted down in the book and compare it with the renderings given by AMC, Mr. F.A. D’Cruz, the well-known violinist and certified teacher of the Madras School of music, on has been good enough to play the pieces, from the notations given, before the renowned singers and proved to their satisfaction that the reproduction is as faithful as can be desired under existing circumstances. Besides presenting compositions in staff notations, AMC brought out expounding the theory and science of south Indian music, a companion series of what he called ‘Academy of the Divine Art – dramatic musical disputations in 72 divisions’, discussing as diverting and entertaining dialogue all debatable and doubtful points connected with divine arts. AMC in his own words stressed the importance of bringing out this book as “Merits of Oriental Music will never be properly recognized until its best compositions are reduced to the most popular form in European Notations”. Since Oriental Music is known for its oral traditions, AMC in his own words conveyed that “It becomes therefore a matter of no small difficulty to discriminate between the spurious and the original; and the attention of all educated classes ought to be directed to this most important point; otherwise there will be nothing which can be recognized as the classical Music of the country. No doubt there are living masters who are competent enough to create embellishments superior to those of their illustrious predecessors; but it would redound to their greater glory if they adapted their Music to fresh compositions instead of seeking to interfere with the known works of others”. Thus to conclude, we see notations of both the compositions given in this article with respect to Oriental Music, SSP and PAP are almost similar except for few changes. Also, a lot of non-familiar compositions of composers like Gopalakṛṣṇa Bhārati, Kulaṣēkhara Maharāja, Sēshayyaṅgār, Subramaṇiayya, Dorasāmiayya , Rāmasvāmi Piḷḷai and Aṣṭapadīs of Jayadēva are found with notations in one of the earliest available book - AMC’s ‘Oriental Music in European Notation’ back in 1893 which gives us a lot of scope for comparative and analytical study. Bibliography ‘Oriental Music in European Notation by A M Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār’, scanned copy of original version by Dr. N.Rāmanāthan in website www.musicresearchlibrary.net ( Primary Source) ‘Oriental Music in European Notation by A M Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār’, edited by Prof. Sāmbamūrthy & Prof. P. Bālakrishṇan, Pub. by Tamilnādu Iyal Isai Nāṭaka Mandram Publication, Tamilnādu,1973 ‘Oriental Music in European Notation by A M Chinnaswāmi Mudaliyār’, edited by Gowri Kuppuswāmy and Hariharan M, Cosmos Publications, New Delhi, 2003. ‘Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini’, Subbarāma Dīkșitar, Vol I., tamiz version by Dr. S. Rāmanāthan and B.Rājam Ayyar, Pub. by ‘The Music Academy’, Madras, 1961 ‘Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini’, Subbarāma Dīkșitar, Vol V., tamiz version by Dr. S. Rāmanāthan and B.Rājam Ayyar,edited by T.S. Pārthasārathy , Pub. by ‘The Music Academy’, Madras, 1983 ‘Saṅgīta Sampradāya Pradarśini’, Subbarāma Dīkșitar, Vol II., English version, edited by T.S. Pappu Vēṇugōpala Rāo , Pub. by ‘The Music Academy’, Madras, 2011 Prathamābhyāsa Pustakamu ,Subbarāma Dīkșitar, 1905 ‘Singing the Classical, Voicing the Modern –The Postcolonial Politics of Music in South India’, Amanda J. Wiedman, Pub. by Duke University Press, United States America, 2006
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