Introducing Yourself to Indian Classical Music 6-Voices
Gandharvas are spirits of nature, with extraordinary musical skills. One such belonged to the world of humans- the legendary Kumar Gandharva (born Shivaputra Siddharamaiyya Komkali).
Suddenly the voice would soar, the arms would create arcs in the air, a word would be energetically emphasised, and the music would stab you in the heart.
With a distinctive voice, and a unique style of presentation, Kumar Gandharva caused some controversy, though even critics admired his musical genius. Compare the clips here with those of Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur in the first post, or with those of the popular Pandit Jasraj or Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and his difference will jump out.
Kumar Gandharva spent a lot of time studying folk music, especially that of central India and this influenced his music greatly. He was also a composer-setting his own words to music. He was famous for his renditions of the poems of Kabir.
Note: It’s a good idea to turn up the volume slightly when listening to the clips, in order to hear all the inflections of the voice.
The video below is a recording of his own composition Mangal Din Aaj in the raga Malawati-also his own creation. (7:10mins).
Good for when one is hurting or in need of a little tlc. The line Aanand man-bharaa at around 1:16 is achingly beautiful.
Mangal din aaj, Banna ghar aayo
Aanand man-bharaa, baanwari bhayi mai to
Banna ra mukh dekhan sahelyo mil aayo
Gaavan lagi geet, baanwari bhai mai to
Mangal din aaj…
Lyrics credit: Anandway.
One of the reasons for the distinctive voice was that Kumar Gandharva had to undergo lung surgery. He had to stop singing for some years-he was not allowed to sing a single note. But this gave him time to think about the music.
In an earlier post, mention was made of the word “gharana” that denotes musical lineage. It is difficult to slot Kumar Gandharva into any one particular lineage. He was a rebel, and took from the different musical traditions to create his own unique sound.
The clip below is of a composition on Shiva, Sira pe Dhari Gang in the Raga Shankara. Again, it is one of Kumar Gandharva’s own compositions. It is very short and never fails to give me goosebumps.
Note how he plays with the word Gang (Ganga).
Kumar Gandharva-Raga Shankara-Sira pe dhari gang
(2:34 mins)
Sira Pe Dhari Ganga
Kamara Mrug Chhala
Munda ki gala mala
Hatheli Soola Saaje
Pinaki Maha Gyani
Ajab Roop Dhaare
Dulat Dula Aave
Dimaru Dima baaje
Lyrics credit: Rajan Parrikar
I have a clip of Kumar Gandharva’s famous rendition of the Kabir bhajan Ud Jayega Hans Akela here.
Below is another beautiful song of Kabir, Ram Niranjan Nyara Re
Shabnam Virmani’s film on Kumar Gandharva and Kabir, Koi Sunta Hai, can be seen here. It is really worth taking the time out to see this film. At first I was simply lost in the wonderful translations of the Kabir songs (they are often translated very badly).
Kumar Gandharva’s Marathi songs are also immensely popular. He released an LP of songs (Mala Umajlele Balgandharva) of Bal Gandharva, famous actor, singer and theatre personality, who often played the role of a woman.
TO HEAR:
Raga Deshkar
aisan kaisA
Nain Ghat Ghatatan-Surdas Bhajan-accompanied by Vasundhara Komkali
Rajan ab to aaja re (Raga Nand)
Nirguni Bhajans:
Hirna Samajh Bhoojh-Kabir Bhajan
Ud Jayega Hans Akela
Aau Kalandar Kesava
Guruji Mhare Mhane Dar
Avdhoota Gagan Ghata-Kabir Bhajan
Marathi Songs:
Naath Ha Maaza
Mama Atma Gamala
Uthi uthi gopala (I love this one, though not the chorus in the background)
runanu bandhachya
To Buy
Sings Nirguni Bhajans.
Raga Malkauns
Pt. Kumar Gandharva Sings Nirgun Ke Gun
Nirgun ke gun-pt.kumar gandharva
Maestro’s Choice – Kumar Gandharva
Pt Kumar Gandharva – Classical Vocal (MUSIC CD)
Pt. Kumar Gandharva – A Creative Genius (MUSIC CD)
The Best of Kumar Gandharva (Music CD) ( I recommend this one)
To Read:
A profile of Kumar Gandharva
An Excerpt from hindu supplement Folio , that I received from a close friend of mine -who was trying to perk me up aftet I lost my mother..
Needless to say , it was very effective
Read on …
Vijay Tendulkar, in his reminiscence of Kumar Gandharva –
… His disciple told me about an incident in Kumar’s life which triggered one of his compositions. One day after the death of Kumar’s wife Bhanumati, the disciple found himself, along with his Guru traveling from Indore to Devas.
It was a hot summer day.
Bhanumati had loved flowers, especially the dazzlingly red summer blossoms.Those flowers were in full bloom on the trees which lined the highway. Kumar stopped the car, got out in the scorching sun and wandered into the woods. He sat down under a tree, lost in thought.
Then he said, ” See, nature doesn’t wait for anyone. These flowers bloom even when my Bhanu is not here!”
He did not weep, did not even let out a sigh. He just sat still , as if in a dream. Then he got up and resumed the journey.
The next morning found him grappling with a composition. It was not about his wife.
It was about the flowers.
Thanks for sharing this here.
This is a beautiful story. Perhaps music sets them free.
I was looking forward to this eagerly – so well worth the (short) wait!
Kamini, am not really saying anything new here, or anything that you don’t know
Just wanted, for the first few posts, to illustrate the different sorts of voices and approaches that Indian music allow, and that we should allow our ears to allow (is that too many “allows?”)
How you write Uttara!
You say that his “music would stab you in the heart”. This is exactly so!
I am sure had he been alive, he would have been very happy to read what you have said about him.
Anjali, thanks. I went for a concert of his in someone’s house with my parents when I was little and though I don’t remember what he sang, I remember the huge impression he made on me then…the intensity with which he engaged with the music and the audience.
wow ! you have such depth of knowledge on this subject! it just might just get me interested in it too. (used to accompany my dad to concerts as well when i was younger) but only because i knew how much he would hated to go alone and it wasn’t my mum’s type of music at all.
Su, I hope so, i.e. I hope you get interested.
I listen to all kinds of music, but write mostly about Indian classical, because unlike in the west, many Indians don’t seem to know or care about their classical traditions. Here, everyone can recognise a piano-amongst Indians confusion remains over whether a tanpura is a sitar. And there is much to the music…
I don’t have that much knowledge. I hope that those who want more can go look for it-its there.
Eeks!! just reread my comment and cringed at the ..’it just might just..’ and the ‘he would hated…’ Sorry – it’s one of my pet peeves !
su, its ok!