Ever heard of percussion instruments playing a song? That’s exactly what drummer Deva and percussionist Gopi attempt in their new CD, which brings out the National Anthem in rhythms.
“It runs for 52 seconds and we have followed all rules of timing and pace with several experts guiding us, including music director Hamsalekha,” says Gopi.
The recording, to release on Independence Day, will be uploaded on YouTube and the CD’s will be distributed for free in schools and colleges.
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How did the duo hit upon this rare idea? “When both of us were trying it out once, our friend was awestruck and encouraged us to take it forward. The patriotism within us pushed us into offering the CD as our contribution to children of the country,” says Gopi, a Meera Burman award winner (Ajmer) who runs the World Music Centre in Malleswaram. It took Gopi and Deva almost a month to practice and get the tone in its exactitude. “The National Anthem is recorded with Khanjira and Roto drums fitted with wheels to change the pitch,” explains Deva, who learnt drums under Sivamani and mridangam from Anoor Anantha Krishna Sharma.
While Deva runs his hands over the Khanjira to ascertain the exact pitches inherent in the national hymn, Gopi turns the wheels on his Roto drums with one hand and strikes with the other to establish the melody.
“Every beat has to match the swara (pitch) for weaving the National Anthem in continuity,” he explains. The background also booms with shakers, cymbals, snare-drum and bells.
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Gopi and Deva are passionate about showcasing the musical composition in its entirety in five stanzas in rhythm. Vande Mataram and Saare Jahaan Se Achcha will soon follow suit.
While Gopi has worked with Bollywood’s best music directors as a drummer, Deva has ‘hit it out’ in 780 movies and 2,000 shows around the globe.