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Journalism of Courage
What can one say about Gaan Saraswati Kishori Amonkar, which has not been said before? Paeans have been sung on the nightingale, whose mellifluous voice remains inimitable to date, having the ability to bind the listener in a spell. Winner of the Padma Bhushan and a host of other awards, she is also known for her exactitude and for showing up late at her shows. Before any recital, Amonkar meticulously sees to it that her instruments and accompanists are well-tuned.
At the Ganesh Kala Kreeda Rangmanch (Nehru Stadium) on the evening of September 3, the patient audience had to wait for one hour before the curtains opened and Amonkar took the dias. Without much ado or introduction she launched into the concert and enthralled the audience with her rendition of Hindustani classical music.
The interminable wait was forgotten by the packed stadium, as heads nodded rhythmically in appreciation. Amonkar started with Ganpat Vighnahar, a slow and steady rendition, based on the raag Darbari. The vilambit (slow beats) gradually gave way to the taal as Amonkar immersed herself in the music. The first half-hour set the trance-like mood for the rest of the evening.
She was accompanied on the harmonium by Purushottam Valawalkar and on the tabla by Balkrishna Iyer, who were excellent. On the tanpura and sitar were Vidya Bhagwat and Nandini Bedekar. The surprise of the evening was accompanist Raghunandan Panshikar, whose voice blended beautifully with Amonkar’s, and the golden-voiced artiste began to look smilingly satisfied with the orchestra.
Amonkar then took the Ganeshvandan gracefully into the fast-paced tarana, as she sang Aaj Sajan Sang Milan Banilwa, Jao Ri Ghar Ko Bawaria, creating a wonderful mood of yearning and cajolery, demonstrating her wonderful skills to the audience. Even amateurs, who may not have a deep understanding of classical music, had no difficulty in discerning the artful ups and downs of the musical notes.
The concert was characterize by the harmony with which it was performed and all the pieces evoked the right ambience. For instance, the rendition of Barsaat Ghan Aayo, Rangeelo, based on the raag Megh Malhar, one could imagine of Akbar’s court, with Tansen performing the raag as dark rain-clouds gathered and raindrops fell gently in the green gardens. The even-paced piece was one of the best.
Amonkar’s concert was one of the highlights of the festival, one which the aficionados of Indian classical music will remember for long time to come. Because hearing Kishori Amonkar live, is an absolute treat.
