We continue our series “One song, Many renditions” with a Hindustani bandish “Charan Dhar Aayo” in raag Abhogi and carnatic composer Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s song Sabhapati Veru Deivam in ragam Abhogi sung by different musicians. The more we listen to different musicians presenting the same raga or song, the more we appreciate its nuances and gain newer perspective. To listen to the Raga Abhogi podcast click … Continue reading One song, Many renditions – 2
Chennai is relatively quiet this December too, during what would have otherwise been a very busy time for carnatic musicians and aficionados. It brings to mind that music impacts cities in ways we don’t always recognize. This month’s newsletter looks at how music is simultaneously rooted locally, even while it transcends cultural boundaries and geographical borders and gives a peek at a new series … Continue reading Cities and their music – looking back and forward
“How hard is it to transition from recording an Indiepop song in the morning to performing a Hindustani concert in the evening?” When you have a stalwart musician such as Shubha Mudgal talk to a class of undergraduates good things happen. My own concern whether the students in my class Musical Traditions of India – an Introduction at Ahmedabad University might be daunted were allayed … Continue reading Musical Thoughts – Shubha Mudgal
Hindustani Concert Pattern In a Hindustani vocal performance, the singer is supported by two or more accompanists typically artistes playing the tabla (percussion), harmonium or sarangi (stringed) and one or two tanpuras (drone). The concert begins with a raag alaap (melodic improvisation) which is presented in three stages – vistar, jod and taan where the speed increases. Here is Ustad Rashid Khan (vocal) and Shahid … Continue reading Classical Concert Pattern – Carnatic & Hindustani – A Quick Guide
Here’s my pick of top ten Hindi film songs from the 1960s and the classical ragas behind these songs. 1.Chaudhvin Ka Chand – The gentle melody sung by Mohammed Rafi in the 1960 hit movie Chaudhvin Ka Chand is based on raag Pahadi. Here’s a classic rendition of raag Pahadi by legendary flautist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. 2.Madhuban Mein Radhika Nache Re – The song by Mohammed Rafi … Continue reading Classical roots of top 10 Hindi movie songs of the 1960s
This last week, I got introduced to Twitter and have begun posting a Raaga-a-day. Truth to be told, I have probably learnt more than my (slowly) growing tribe of Twitter followers. Am still learning to express myself in 140 characters. Given how much fun I am having with this, I reckoned I should try and expand my horizons. So starting today I’ll tweet about one … Continue reading Jugalbandhi #jb Carnatic and Hindustani ragas
Many ragas sound similar to the layman, how does one distinguish one from the other? Let’s take the case of two Hindustani ragas – Marwa and Sohini. The first time I came across Marwa was when I was learning a vachana of the Shaivite mystic, Basavanna.My teacher was a disciple of Pandit Basvaraj Rajguru. “Emphasize on the phrase, n-r-g-m-d”, my teacher exhorted. Raag Marwa is traditionally presented at … Continue reading Raag Marwa and Sohini
Chitra Srikrishna 