Opinion
Somewhere in the 1980s the audio-cassette boom happened. And thanks to Magnasound, Times Music and HMV Classics, I suddenly had access to more and more classical music. My collection began to shoot up exponentially after I became an intern and had a salary (a princely Rs 1000 a month then)
News
There was a moment during the recently held House Concert organised by F. Marikar hosted at the magnificent Thapar House in Kolkata, where it seemed as though the Muses had conspired to produce a uniquely well-arranged set of circumstances to accompany the music being performed. The Effem Ensemble, comprising musicians
Music Education
Ahead of the world premiere of Zakir Hussain’s triple concerto for tabla, sitar and bansuri with the Symphony Orchestra of India, Suddhaseel Sen explores what emerges from the dialogue between two musical languages. It is always a pleasure to find a symphony orchestra departing from tried-and-tested canonical repertoire and,
Music of India
India, with its rich tapestry of cultural diversity, is home to a myriad of classical and folk dance forms. Among these, Odissi stands out as a captivating classical dance form that embodies grace, storytelling, and artistic expression. Rooted in the cultural heritage of the eastern Indian state of Odisha, Odissi
News
Even as marquee concerts and a full season unfold, the young brigade of the SOI and other initiatives by the orchestra continue to leave a mark. Encore in Pune In early August, 31 students from the SOI Academy Orchestra performed under the baton of SOI Music Director and violin virtuoso
Music of India
Carnatic music, one of the oldest and most revered classical music traditions in the world, boasts a rich tapestry of musical ornaments that add depth, emotion, and complexity to its melodies. Among these ornaments, “Gamak” stands out as a remarkable technique that has enchanted audiences and musicians alike for centuries.
Know Your Composer
The trio sonata, which consists typically of two violins (or flutes, recorders, or oboes) and basso continuo, originated in Italy in the late sixteenth century. At first an instrumental adaptation of three-part vocal music, the form was refined and developed by Arcangelo Corelli. It is François Couperin (1668-1733), harpsichordist and
News
The SOI Autumn 2023 Season brings the promise of musicianship at its best. From the India debut of celebrated British cellist Steven Isserlis with the Symphony Orchestra of India to the anticipated return of pianist Pavel Kolesnikov and conductors Richard Farnes and Alpesh Chauhan, the season’s programme presents a
Music of India
Hindustani classical music is a treasure trove of intricate techniques and rich traditions. At the heart of this musical tradition lies the alap, a mesmerizing and meditative improvisational exposition of a raga. The alap serves as a crucial introduction to the raga, setting the mood, and creating a profound connection
Interviews
In the world of classical music, few figures have had as profound an impact as Klaus Heymann. His journey from a young, adventurous entrepreneur to the visionary founder of Naxos Records is a tale of innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to classical music. With a career spanning decades, he
Music of India
The tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument, is renowned not only for its rhythmic versatility but also for its ability to convey intricate melodies and emotions through a unique system of vocalized syllables known as “bol.” These bol compositions are the heart and soul of tabla music, forming the basis
Features
Almost four decades ago, I experienced live in action India’s greatest living legend, Maestro Zubin Mehta. 17 September 1984, Shanmukhananda Hall Sion in then Bombay. It was the maiden and so far only visit of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra to India. Until then I had only been exposed