Classical Call

“In the world of classical music,a surname like Chaurasia comes with its own expectations,” says 37-year-old Rakesh Chaurasia,nephew of renowned flautist Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia who is ready with his 24th album titled Morning,Afternoon & Evening Meditation Music. Introspective and meditative,Chaurasia’s flute creates an engaging percussive resonance on tracks like Morning Bliss and Energiser. The album has a background chorus chanting the mantras that adds drama and serenity as well. “Every raga has a particular time to be played. We used to create the desired effect in the studio with the lights during recording,” explains Rakesh. He was presented a baby flute by Pt Chaurasia when he was four. “Since then I’ve been mesmerised with this instrument,” smiles Rakesh. After experimenting with the flute with his diverse blowing styles for Devdas,Umraao Jaan and Dor apart from his albums,Rakesh has become a keen advocate of world music. He does not agree with classical music puritans who scoff at the concept of fusion. “It’s like wearing jeans and eating Chinese food. Exchange of music and experiences is really important for creativity. Baabuji (Pt. Chaurasia) has collaborated with so many international musicians,” he says. However,he points out,“My music will always be classical.”