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MUSIC
Reverberations
Binding Traditions
It
is reassuring to come across a youngster committed to keeping one of the
oldest forms of Hindustani music, the Dhrupad, alive in these ambivalent
times. Uday Bhawalkar, 34, started his training under Ustad Fariduddin
Dagar and later continued under the veena maestro Ustad Zia Mohiuddin
Dagar. For long, the classical music stage has been dominated by Khayal
singers and it is unfortunate that Dhrupad does not find many takers.
Thus the passion and single minded application brought to this style by
Bhawalkar is worthy of notice.
The format
of a Dhrupad performance consists of an alap (melodic introduction) followed
by a bandish (fixed composition) called the dhrupad or-if it is set to
14 beats-the dhammar. The alap is a slow and systematic exposition of
the raga, using meaningless syllables such as nom, tom, tara, yali, etc.
A Dhrupad composition comprises four sections, the sthayi, antara, sanchari
and abhog. After presenting these, the vocalist embarks on an improvisation
of the raga using the words of the composition. The singer breaks up the
words of the bandish to revel in rhythmic play known as bol-baant.
In this
album, Bhawalkar has presented a night raga, Bhihag, which omits the second
note (Rishab) and the sixth (Dhaivat) in its ascending scale while using
all the seven notes in the descent. A reposeful alap, as presented by
Bhawalkar, it is typical of the Dagarbani tradition to which he belongs.
He develops the three movements, alap, jod and jhala in a systematic manner.
The alap is followed by a composition, Tum kahan se mad, set to the 14
beat dhammar tala. Bhawalkar has gone through vigorous training in music
which is evident in his clear, tuneful voice. His intricate improvisations
are enhanced by Sanjay Agle marking rhythm on the pakhawaj. This charming
recital is a live recording of a concert organised by the spicmacay in
Pune.
-S.
Sahaya Ranjit
SCREEN
N SURF
Tuned In
Sruti is
a monthly magazine in English devoted to Indian music and dance. It is
the flagship venture of Sruti Foundation based in Chennai. The Internet
edition, www.sruti.com, launched in December 1998, is updated every month.
The site reproduces the news and brief notes section from the editions
of Sruti magazine. It also carries features from the magazine's archives.
Some interesting sections on this site are "Net events" and
"Ask Janaki Aunty". Ask Janaki Aunty is an interactive segment
where surfers are asked to express their opinion on issues or personalities.
Net Events fill one in on happenings in the world of music and dance.
Edited by N. Pattabhi Raman, the site is a must for people who have a
viewpoint on music.
HOT
TRACK
Raga
Rendezvous
Abhishek Ray
(T Series; Rs 50)
Looking
for something different to listen to? A bit of classical, a bit of western
and really soothing? This album may interest you. A collection of eight
compositions based on Indian classical ragas by Abhishek Ray. "I
wanted to do something unique. While old songs are being recycled, the
treasures of Indian classical music are being forgotten. This album tries
to promote tradition," says Ray. Noble thoughts indeed but the compositions
sound like a cut-and-paste job. Nevertheless, Ray has retained the flavour
of classical music by using instruments like the santoor, flute, sarangi,
esraj and rabab. Each raga has been influenced by moods of nature. The
untamed spirit on raga Pilu; Sandstorm (Madhuvanti); An ode to the rains
(Megh Malhar); All my love (Khamaj); Long last (Kafi); Lost in a dream
(Kalavati) Farewell (Kirwani) and Homebound (Des). The sleeve notes, covered
by pictures of Ray, leaves one wondering whether it is a mini portfolio
for a modelling assignment.
-S.
Sahaya Ranjit
ARRIVALS
Sai Dedications
(BMG Crescendo; Rs 55)
Tuneful bhajans rendered by Suresh Wadkar, Sonali Vajpaee and Kajaal.
Back
to Disco
(Times Music; Rs 65)
Disco hits of the 1970s, including Nazia Hasan's Disco deewane, Aao
na pyar kare.
Kuch
Khatti Kuch Meethi
(Tips; Rs 45)
Songs showcasing the versatility of Anu Malik and duets by Alka Yagnik,
Kumar Sanu.
Anoushka
Shankar
(VIRGIN; Rs 100)
Short compositions of Pandit Ravi Shankar played on the sitar by his
daughter.
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METRO TODAY
As
the Government brings in more people and mops more money in taxes, it
must be seen to be rewarding those who come forth and pay up, writes India
Today Associate Editor V. Shankar Aiyar in 
