Baritone bars

Western classical vocalist Rahul Bharadwaj performs an evening of art songs this weekend

June 21, 2018 04:59 pm | Updated 04:59 pm IST

Western classical music sometimes requires an acquired taste to appreciate. But if you give a listen to Rahul Bharadwaj, you’re bound to be hooked by his powerful baritone delivery and charming personality.

The Bengaluru-born, Pune-based singer performs an art song recital this weekend with Mumbai-based pianist Nadine Crasto as part of a programme organised by The International Music and Arts Society.

Commenting on Bengaluru’s vibrant Western Classical scene, Rahul says the little he knows, he has much respect for. “I am aware of some very dedicated teachers like Neecia Majolly and some enthusiastic listeners who support what performances they can. Much credit goes to organisations like Giving Voice Society, The International Music and Arts Society and The Bangalore School of Music for taking risks on promoting events and people.” He, however, adds that currently, the good teachers are spread thin. “The need of the hour is infrastructure that funds teaching and develops a generation of high-quality musicians. Funding and taking risks with performance opportunities that don’t fit established norms is crucial to creating a vital audience that can breathe life into the next generation of singing-actors.”

As a solo baritone he has performed a variety of works ranging from early music to contemporary art song in both sacred and secular settings.

Having moved from Hindustani music to Western classical and opera, Rahul elaborates on how he takes to his particular genre and says the singer’s job is to deliver on the composer’s intention. “Each time I approach a work, the aim is to discover the nuances available for interpretation within the prescribed socio-cultural and idiomatic frameworks of that piece. Coming from training in an oral tradition, I found something pre-composed is inherently more open to critique than something improvisational. This study has helped me make the synthesis of words and music, greater than the sum of its parts.”

He sums this up in one line from the audience perspective: “For me as a listener if I am touched or moved even for a moment by the piece, that is enough.” The singer says his journey in music started young. “Growing up, I was exposed to mostly Hindustani, jazz and rock music. I had an opportunity to take Hindustani classical as an elective in school and I sang lead vocals for rock bands. I had only little exposure to concert music other than piano lessons for Trinity grades. In my teens, watching Pt. Kumar Gandharv at close quarters in a performance was when I had a foundational moment about the power of the voice creating transformation or moving experiences. I went on to pursue it and explored both the ‘gurukul’ system as well as a more formal bachelor’s degree in Mumbai. However, while I loved the music, I think I was too young to accept the rituals surrounding the practice. It was only many years later, after trying a variety of music-related work, that I had another opportunity to study. And because it was in the US, I applied for a degree in Western classical vocal performance. I’m still amazed that they accepted me on an audition tape of Simon and Garfunkel and some khayal performances!”

Looking ahead, Rahul hopes to go abroad to make this passion a viable livelihood. “Who knows though? There is much more going on here now than even eight years ago when I returned to India. Teaching will always be a part of my practice though.”

The concert is open to public and not ticketed. Check Rahul and Nadine live in an exploration of Brahms’ lieder at NGMA, Palace Road, on June 23 at 5.45 pm.

A sound map of the grooviest shows this weekend

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