Taking the Sarod to New Depths
Paula: Do you have any comments about the current state of Indian Classical Music? Is there more of
a World-wide audience for it now than in previous years or decades?
Rajeev Taranath: Independence in 1947 started a process. The numerous
feudal rulers disappeared in this political change.
The musicians in their courts had to seek other
patronage. The capitalists, the moneyed merchant
classes and the connoisseurs came to the rescue. Music
festivals - annual or bi-yearly; smaller individual
concerts and 'house concerts' started. Learning
classical music and performing on the stage were no
longer confined to courtesans and their entourages.
The upper middle class, in Bengal and Maharashtra
especially, took to music as a serious and respected
vocation. The children occasionally became
professionals (for example, Nikhil Bannerji, Buddhadev
Dasgupta, myself and now many more). More people heard
this music - film songs and records helped too. Some
dilution of taste also took place. A superficial look
at the scene might sometimes lead you feel that Indian
classical music is on the decline. It is also true
that India is going through a philistine phase in her
culture. But look again: so many brilliant young
artistes, so many very low profile musical
gatherings...
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