After years of sadhana and exploring the finer textures of the art to find their niches, maestros Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and Pandit Birju Maharaj have established themselves as influential soloists. They have put melody and rhythm to such improvisatory uses that Chaurasia makes the flute sing rather than just blowing tunes while Maharaj has taken Kathak many steps forward by infusing a new energy into its bols and chakkars.
Hailing from a family of wrestlers, Chaurasia preferred arousing the nine rasas in listeners to the akhada (wrestling ring). In his skilful hands the flute emerged from being a mere accompanying instrument to the mainstay of a full-fledged concert. His inventive playing technique made the bansuri bring out the nuances of the traditional Hindustani repertoire.
Birju Maharaj, the king of Kathak, belongs to the long, proud lineage of Kathak performers including Acchan Maharaj, Shambu Maharaj and Lachhu Maharaj. Over the past six decades, he has evolved his own vocabulary of movements, interpreting the art in ways that would make it relevant to contemporary sensibilities.
Joining the two aces in this triangle of melody — Tridha, is the young, charming and talented Hindustani vocalist Kaushiki Chakrabarty. Having trained under her well-known vocalist-father Ajoy Chakrabarty of the Patiala gharana, Kaushiki is the torchbearer of a hoary lineage and tradition.
The two Pandits talk about the making of Tridha and what it means in their creative journey.
Hariprasad Chaurasia: When the two Krishnas of the art world (Hari and Birju) come together, you can expect a leela of laya and taal.
Birju Maharaj: In our long journey, such stopovers or rather collaborations add a new dimension and meaning to our art.
Chaurasia: This is the first time I am performing with a dancer but I don’t consider it any different from my other musical partnerships.
Maharaj: Bansuri has always been an integral part of Kathak so this performance is a natural progression.
Chaurasia: Kaushiki will add the dynamism of youth with her impeccable voice. I was insistent that the third artiste of Tridha should be a youngster.
Maharaj: This will be a synthesis of nritta, abhinaya and swara.
Venue: The Music Academy
Date and Time: November 15, 7.30 p.m.
The Schedule:
November 15 : Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia with Pt. Birju Maharaj & Kaushiki Chakrabarty
November 16 : Indian Ocean
November 17 : Vikku Vinayakaram, Vidya Shah & the Manganiyars
November 18 : Mandolin Rajesh, Jayateerth Mevundi, Rakesh Chourasia & Trichur Brothers
November 19 : Coco's Lunch
November 20 : Monsorate Brothers
>For the detailed schedule of Nov Fest 2013 in all five cities, click here .
Tickets:
Price:>Rs. 600, Rs. 350 & Rs. 200. Season passes at Rs. 3,000 & Rs. 1,800
All tickets can be purchased online at >www.thehindu.com/frnf2013
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Website >thehindu.com/novemberfest
Facebook at >Friday Review November Fest
Twitter >@FRNovfest
