Listen: How tabla players accompany specially choreographed kathak works
Given the fact that these are largely precomposed works often using vocal forms like taranas that are interspersed with dance, pakhawaj or tabla compositions, the tabla players have to rehearse these compositions in order to be well-acquainted with the sequence of changes within each work.
At times, the music ensemble may have a tabla player who does not usually accompany the dancer. In such cases, dancers may choose to have an additional tabla player or pakhawaj player who regularly accompanies them, as these musicians have memorised the sequences and can take the lead in guiding the rhythmic accompaniment.
On other occasions, especially when dancers travel overseas, the usual ensemble does not accompany them. In such cases, they may even choose to use a recorded version of the music for their dance recitals.
The track in today's instalment features a tarana in the raag Nand set to the 12-matra Ektaal. It is sung by well-known vocalist and composer Ashit Desai and is interpreted by the renowned dancer Durga Lal. Listeners will note the manner in which the tabla follows the footwork and dance compositions as well as the syllables of the tarana.
Play
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
3 days ago
- Hans India
ITC & ITCSRA Pays a Musical Tribute to the Spirit of ‘Bharat' through ‘Desh Ek Raag 2'
Sanjiv Puri, Chairman, ITC Ltd. presented the unique initiative in a LinkedIn post. He said: 'On the occasion of India's 79th Independence Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present Desh Ek Raag 2, a tribute to our beloved Nation. Anchored on the Desh Raag, this musical video captures the timeless grace, the unwavering spirit and the unity that binds all of us together as one Nation. Beautifully crafted by the Gurus and scholars of the ITC Sangeet Research Academy, this musical rendition celebrates the tradition of Guru Shishya parampara, where Gurus and scholars live, learn and nurture Hindustani classical music. Desh Ek Raag 2 has expanded the creative expression through collaborations with other art forms like classical dance and has seamlessly blended western instruments with Indian melodies. I hope all of you will watch, enjoy and share this video as we dedicate ourselves with pride to preserving the rich cultural heritage of our country. Wishing all of you a very Happy Independence Day!' ITCSRA Guru, Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty said: 'Desh Raag is that unifying thread that weaves our beloved country's enormous beauty, unmatched diversity and timeless traditions. Music truly embodies the confluence of transcendental art forms - songs, music and dance. Over the decades, ITCSRA, with the patronage of ITC, has been a pioneer in training disciples in different Hindustani classical musical forms including instrumentals and vocal. For Desh Ek Raag 2, ITCSRA collaborated with revered dance gurus and their shishyas representing some of the most famous Indian dance forms from across the country. This year's initiative truly brings together all the key elements of musical art to pay a tribute to the Nation through the age-old Guru-Shishya Parampara. ' ITCSRA guru and the music director of Desh Ek Raag 2, Shri Abir Hossain said: "It has been a true honour to work once again on this very special project "Desh Ek Raag 2" for Independence Day. This is my second time creating music for such a meaningful occasion for ITC Sangeet Research Academy and I am deeply grateful to both ITC Ltd & ITCSRA for entrusting me with this enormous responsibility once more. This year, I chose to bring together a completely new team of fresh faces, talented young Scholars, faculty members and other musicians alongside Gurus, veteran artistes and tutors, each contributing their unique artistry and passion to the project. Their energy and commitment have made the experience of creating it even more inspiring. I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to ITC Ltd and ITC SRA for their unwavering support and encouragement. Projects like these remind me how powerful music can be in uniting people and expressing the spirit of our nation in the most time-tested as well as contemporary terms at once." Desh Ek Raag 2 – An Ode to The Spirit of the Nation Through Guru-Shishya Parampara Building on the success and acclaim of the first Desh Ek Raag initiative 2024, Desh Ek Raag 2 seeks to pay its tribute to the nation through the revered Guru-Shishya Parampara of not only ITCSRA but also other classical art forms. This year's initiative marks ITCSRA's collaboration with several Indian classical dance traditions from across the country, underscoring the essence of diversity, collaboration, and the true spirit of 'Bharat'. The intention is to reinforce the association of 'Desh' and 'Raag' with ITC and ITCSRA in connection with India's day of national reverence and celebration. Rooted in the Vedic period, the Guru-Shishya Parampara is a foundational Indian tradition, pivotal across classical art forms, which continues to thrive today. The 2025 initiative aims to celebrate and communicate the values and significance of this tradition to a wider digital audience, emphasizing its enduring relevance. To do so, the presentation will creatively incorporate collaborative expressions with other Indian classical art forms, recognizing that many classical dance forms share the same dedication to lifelong learning, devotion, and the sacred transmission of knowledge from teacher to disciple, much like Indian classical music. Accordingly, Desh Ek Raag 2 broadens the creative scope by including classical dance forms and Western musical instruments, while keeping ITC SRA and Hindustani classical music at the heart of the project. This year's composition embraces diversity in both music and performance, weaving western tonalities into the textures of traditional Indian instruments — a creative interpretation of ITC's vision for cross-cultural collaboration. Under the music direction of Shri Abir Hossain, the performance brings to life a Tarana composed by Vidushi Ashwini Bhide Deshpande. Desh Ek Raag 2 features a distinguished line-up of artistes, including Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, Pandit Ulhas Kashalkar, Pandit Partha Chatterjee, Vidushi Subhra Guha, Pandit Uday Bhawalkar, Shri Omkar Dadarkar, Shri Brajeswar Mukherjee, tabla legend Pandit Suresh Talwalkar. The rendition was accompanied with Sarangi by Sarwar Hussain and modernised with the contemporary flair of western instrumentation by band Prithibi. Desh Ek Raag 2 has been recorded at ITCSRA's state-of-the-art studio by Avee Bhattacharya. The Music Video has been directed by Chandrasish Ray, a budding Indian Filmmaker, and it is presented in collaboration with creative agency Genesis Advertising Pvt Ltd, Kolkata. The Key focus of Desh Ek Raag 2: · Tribute to Nation: The piece will continue to draw inspiration from Raag Desh, with interludes of famous 'Vande Mataram' to invoke pride and reverence to our nation and its heritage in alignment with the spirit of Independence Day. · Artistic collaborations with the heritage of Hindustani Classical Raaga Music as the central pillar : The ensemble is composed and performed by ITCSRA's Gurus and scholars, exemplifying the depth and grace of the Hindustani classical tradition. The composition starts with the key element of 'guru-vandana' led by ITC SRA Gurus and supported by classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi and Kathak to reinforce the larger cultural connect of the timeless guru-shishya tradition. The Bharatnatyam dance has been choregraphed by Rama Vaidyanathan, Kuchipudi by Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, Kathak by Aditi Mangaldas, and Odissi by Sharmila Biswas. The dance forms were performed by these eminent dance Gurus and their disciples. · ITCSRA's Guru-Shishya Parampara - Convergence of Parampara and Pragati: The musical presentation showcases how tradition continues to evolve through the living practices of the Guru-Shishya relationship across performing art forms – vocals, instruments and dances, while embracing the contemporary. An audio-visual manifestation of the Idea of India. Some details on last year's Desh Ek Raag – An Ode to the Nation (2024) In 2024, to mark India's 78th Independence Day, ITC and ITC Sangeet Research Academy (ITCSRA) jointly undertook a special project to create a unique musical ensemble. This performance brought together ITCSRA Gurus, Scholars, Students, and external artists, celebrating the harmonious blend of India's traditions and its spirit of progress. The ensemble featured renowned musicians, including Pandit Ajoy Chakraborty and Vidushi Shubhra Guha, along with other eminent scholars. Centred around Raag Desh and incorporating 'Vande Mataram', the musical piece was a rich confluence of Indian heritage and modernity, blending Indian and Western instruments to reach a broader digital audience and showcase young talent. The resulting musical video received over a million organic views and was lauded widely by both the target audience and key stakeholders. ITCSRA: Nurturing the Nation's Guru-Shishya Parampara Creation of the next generation of masters of classical music for the propagation of a precious legacy continues to be ITCSRA's primary objective. At the core of ITCSRA's existence lies the age-old practice of Guru-Shishya Parampara where eminent Gurus of the Academy impart intensive training and quality education in Hindustani classical music to the scholars. The very idea of scholars residing in the campus with the Gurus to follow and learn is something unique that underscores the impeccable quality of education and that is what enables the passing on of the rich culture of Hindustani Classical Music over generations. At the academy, the Shishya learns the art from the Guru with reverence and trust. To the Shishya, the Guru is an epitome of the art itself. For the Guru, the Shishya signifies the continuity of the art. Established in 1977, some of the illustrious Gurus of ITCSRA over the decades include Nissar Hussain Khan (Sahaswan Gharana), Hirabai Barodekar (Kirana Gharana), Ishtiaq Hussain Khan (Rampur Gharana), Nivrittibua Sarnaik (Atrauli-Jaipur Gharana), Girija Devi (Benaras Gharana), Latafat Hussain Khan (Agra Gharana). A. Kanan, Malabika Kanan and many more. ITCSRA turns 50 years in 2027. ITCSRA's teaching draws from the system of musical training of the gharanas. Every gharana has a soul of its own. While a vocalist represents a particular gharana, the ITCSRA environment provides a rich cross-gharana exposure which shapes the artist's evolution. The Academy selects each scholar on the basis of talent and dedication. A scholar spends years learning from the Guru. ITCSRA has an Expert Committee consisting of knowledgeable, committed and experienced musicians who are responsible for selecting and assessing each scholar. The appraisal involves voice reproduction, gayakee, riyaaz and peshkari. Beyond its educational and research endeavours, ITCSRA plays a vital role in promoting Indian classical music on a national and global stage. The academy organizes concerts, music festivals, and lecture series, showcasing the talent of its students and faculty to audiences around the world. The academy has a state-of-the-art library and archive, housing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and recordings spanning centuries of the Nation's musical history. Today, ITCSRA houses more than 40 scholars in its sprawling Kolkata campus and in Pune.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
Falling in love with Mumbai, the city of music
Written by Sangeeta Chakravorty Sometimes our love for a city is akin to a reputation laundering scam. In Mumbai, we force ourselves to forget what takes place every monsoon, the daily gruel of enduring the 'super-dense crushload' of suburban train travel and the bruising injustice of being driven out of one's neighbourhood as real-estate developers alight on every square inch of the city. I think of this as the Big Crumbling — and if you look long enough, it takes hold from the inside. Raised steeped in Bengalism by very musically-inclined parents, I had to make an effort to learn music in Mumbai. It was a cultural revelation — which other city offers such easy access to musical concerts in various genres, theatre in regional languages, or newspapers in various languages? A port city with many performance venues, a thriving movie industry, and even more takers of all forms of entertainment, Mumbai had helped turn music into a serious business in India. Through the whisper network that newbies rely on, I found Roshan Chowna, a South Bombay gem who had recently moved back from Calcutta where she taught at the famed Calcutta School of Music. Another itinerant. She had the unique distinction of being trained by Olga Craen, the first conductor of the Symphony Orchestra of Bombay and one of India's most distinguished pianists and music educators. Craen's musical legacy remains unparalleled — can you name another teacher who organised musical performances by her pupils at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel? — and remains a beloved Mumbai tale. A music teacher invites you to their home, and through a unique stripping of ego, imparts the kind of education that leaves a lasting impact. They are never quite family, but the bond is as rich. I will never forget making my way to my teacher's home, near a tree-shaded locality, every Saturday morning for a class. Her undiminished listening abilities, her arthritic fingers that could still coax sublime melodies out of the ivory keys, all the while supervising the cleaning of her home. She was 90 when she chose me as her pupil. After her passing, when the grief of her loss no longer stopped my hands from searching for music, I found the sitar, with its densely layered association with the world of classical music (as seen in Chaitanya Tamhane's 2020 film The Disciple). Mumbai, home of the Bhendi Bazaar gharana that emerged in 1890, has a unique place in the history of Hindustani classical music. Renowned musical scholar, tabla maestro and composer Aneesh Pradhan has written about the trading community of shetias being early patrons of music in Mumbai (well-timed with the decline of princely patronage elsewhere in colonial India). In Hindustani Music in Colonial Bombay, Pradhan describes a rich musical world in what was then Bombay, with the city playing a big part in preserving the musical heritage. The Bangalore-based cultural theorist Tejaswini Niranjana says that without Mumbai, 'Hindustani music would not have survived the way it did.' In an interview, she stated that 'a love for Hindustani music brought diverse kinds of people together, contributing to how a sense of the public developed in Mumbai.' My sitar teacher is a gentle human. He too came to this city from somewhere else. He lives in a sprawling flat surrounded by music and grandchildren. Before each class, we talk about music – jazz, Bach, the blues, other ustaads. These classes have turned me away from the daily cynicism of Mumbai. There is no chronological neatness to the history of Bombay's music. Long a home to itinerants, it is not a surprise that alongside Hindustani classical, Western classical music and jazz too have thrived here — thanks in large part to Goan musicians who were already steeped in the Western classical form, and helped develop a unique jazz scene in Bombay, with homegrown stars like Chic Chocolate, Chris Perry and Lorna Cordeiro. Many, such as Chocolate, Perry and Anthony Gonsalves also had a hand in shaping Hindi film music, bringing in elements of jazz and Western classical. Their story has been beautifully told by Naresh Fernandes in his book Taj Mahal Foxtrot. Such a confluence of creativity can only happen in Mumbai, where, till date, there are thriving communities for all kinds of music, from classical to jazz to Bollywood and rock. Music lovers like me will always find their niche in this city, even when we are cramped for space. The writer is an MA IR candidate at School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Experience The Popular Hindi Music Video For 'Hindustani' (Remix) By Shankar Mahadevan and Udit Narayan
Enjoy the latest Hindi song ''Hindustani'' (Remix) sung by 'Shankar Mahadevan and Udit Narayan'. The music for this captivating track has been Recreated by 'Harsh Upadhyay', with heartfelt lyrics penned by 'Sameer'. Don't miss the opportunity to watch the latest Hindi video song ''Hindustani'', by 'Shankar Mahadevan and Udit Narayan' and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing melodies. For more Hindi songs, be sure to visit the music videos section of Hindi ETimes. Experience the musical prowess of 'Shankar Mahadevan and Udit Narayan', New Video Songs of 2025, 'Harsh Upadhyay' songs, Hindi Gana Video Song, '' music videos and 'Sameer' songs. Read More
