On Saturday I attended a Hindustani classical recital, a tribute to Ustad Amir Khan. I drifted into sweet slumber to the drone of the tanpura (which according to Meera resembles a woman’s well-endowed bottom). Think I’m going to pick up some similar music because I find it rather soothing. We saw a short video which paid tribute to the maestro. The simplicity of those times and the passion in the music pierced my heart.
The fanfare with which we celebrate today’s popstars seems is so manufactured and wasteful in comparison. And of course the talent is often in short supply.
The video brought back memories of my mom telling me that when she went off to Pune to study for college, she packed two dresses for the entire semester. She told me this while I was stuffing two suitcases with clothes, shoes, perfume, music and a whole lot more material objects, for my semester at Pune University.
Pundit hari Prasad Chaurasia played the bhansuri, which was lovely. At certain times when he rushed through a quick medley, I would shut my eyes to discover that it almost sounded like a violin being plucked at the speed of lighitining. Quiet fascinating.
Chandra read a book during the performance. He aspires to read at least one book a month and he is very likely to surpass his goal if he attends more concerts.
Nice
I actually heard the Chaurasia part even though I was reading. I didn’t want to leave the book unread and I realised I liked the music playing in the background rather then look at the musicians doing their thing.
I think I need to listen and understand this music before I start appreciating it.
I liked the Amir Khan video and would have tried to pick some of his singing if this CDROM drive worked.