MUSIC DIARY I

While traveling yesterday, I was listening to a live concert recording of Mysore Nagaraj and Manjunath. They started of the concert with the Hamsadhwani kriti Gam Ganapathe. The very essence of Hamsadhwani left me enthralled and paralyzed with joy. I don’t know what makes their music so special and what is it that inspires their creativity? The way in which they can handle a particular raga is so different and unique. Their unique perspective, in bringing out the hues, shades and colors of the raga with a perfect amalgamation of aesthetics and brilliance, leaves me dumbfound. I cannot understand what it is that they see that we cannot see or perceive?

The next composition was Maayamma in Aahiri! Nagaraj sir has simply given an outline sketch of the raga. That simple sketch speaks volumes about his genius in understanding ans formulating music. Their handling of the Kriti too is melancholic yet, luxurious. The kampita that they give for Maatlada raada, is so special and distinctive for Aahiri. You can actually hear Syama Shatry sing through their bows and strings. It is awesome.

Days pass by and you get closer to music, only to realize that you are growing smaller and smaller in front of that art. I had once asked Naaganna, “how do I develop that unique flavor to my singing?” and he said, nothing be relaxed in life, but let all your senses be concentrated on music. Every hour, every minute let one part of you keep singing and exploring new possibilities within the boundaries of classicism.

Music is definitely not easy! Its fun to love and enjoy music, but to practice and pursue it is a real responsibility. You have the responsibility of treasuring a culture that is centuries old and well protected since ages. Your body and soul is focused on music and before you realize you are lost in its depth. Listening to music from such maestros just keeps you alert on one thing, when your mind is idle and trying to loose itself in appreciating meager things around you . . . . . some where from the inside you here a sanchaara of some raga! You suddenly realize how you waste time in appreciating so many things that are materialistic and momentary! When there is so much to learn, so much to hear and so much to explore in music! . . . . And as usual.. So little time left!!!

And every time I listen to any soulful music, that smiling face comes to me again! An innocence and lot of dedication that was what Satynarayana was to me. You can see him putting taala in that photo too! My first music friend in Bangalore who had to leave early to play his soulful music to the gods! He reminds me of one thing all the time, I may go anytime too . . . . .. so I must not waste time in unwanted things and do what I do with hundred percent dedication . . . . .