‘Bandish’ in classical and semi-classical music, and ‘rachanaa’ in light music are an important component of musical material and it has a distinct role in making of North Indian (Hindustani) music. While bandish enters as an important component of musical material in classical and semi-classical music, sangeet rachanaa comes up as a complete from in light music. To create a bandish in semi-classical music, one has to have sound knowledge about – swar, raag, taal, from interest in literature, affinity towards, ability to create novelty in the context of tradition, independent style, etc., Similarly, in light music one is bound by – selection and placement of the words according to the theme of the song, musical score, tempo, rhythmic structure, etc.
Dr. Praba Atre’s bandishs and rachanaas reflect all the above mentioned qualities. It is rare to finds a woman performer who has composed bandishs in different genres representative of changing times. It is even rare to find an artiste writing on contemporary music performance from different perspectives.
In this book, there are 137 compositions in 38 mishra raags, which including forms like thumri, daadraa, ghazal bhaktigeet along with Marathi ghazal, bhavageet, bhaktigeet. For one who wishes to present thumri, daadraa one after the other in the same raag, there are complememtary themes to enhance the emotional content. The book also contains compositions in common and unused raags like Kanakaangi, Shivaranjani, etc., along with some new created jod (combined) raags like Kaafi Ranjani, Gaaraa Malhaar, etc. The notation and the accompanying illustrative audio recording of the bandish will help music lovers and students to enjoy better.
Internationally renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Dr. Prabha Atre is perhaps the only performer who has also excelled as a brilliant thinker academician, author composer, researcher, reformer and guru. She is the senior most, front ranking vocalist representing the Kirana gharaanaa, today. A Science and Law graduate, she holds a Doctorate in music.
Dr. Atre, a former Professor and Head of the Department of Music, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, has been teaching traditional guru-shishya style from than 45 years. She is an acclaimed guru in India and abroad, both in performance and research.
A ‘Top’ grade artiste of the All India radio and Doordarshan, Dr. Atre has been giving concerts for nearly 6 decades. She has displayed constant innovation and creative endeavour which has distinguished her from other vocalists, both in the classical and light classical idioms. With her keen aesthetic sense, brilliant thinking and deep critical approach, Dr. Atre has given insight, meaning and approach to established raags which have become the norms for their presentation.
Dr. Atre has authored several academic books on the various aspects that are especially relevant to the present day performance. Her Doctoral thesis on ‘Sargam’ or the use of sol-fa names as musical material and her books ‘Swaramyee’, ‘Suswaraalee’, ‘Swaraanginee’, ‘Swaranjanee’, ‘Swarangee’, ‘antahswar’, ‘Enlightening the Listener’ and ‘along the Fath of Music’, bear testimony to her various accomplishments.
In recognition of Dr. Atre’s contributions to Indian art music, she has been bestowed with the National honours – ‘Padmashree’, Padmabhushan’ from the Government of India; ‘Tagore Akademi Fellow’, ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi Award’ from the sangeet Natak Akademi; amongst many others.
Dr. Prabha Atre’s bandishs are the hall mark of aesthetical precision and emotional appeal. These bandish depict beautiful blend of tradition, novelty and contemporary trends in music. Nearly 550 compositions in various forms like khyaal, taraanaa, thumri, daadraa, bhaktigeet, ghazal, etc. have been included in the 3 books of her compositions.
Dr. Prabha Atre has a place of distinction amongst senior Hindustani classical artistes. Keen aesthetic sense, brilliant thinking and critical approach – the triveni (confluence) has put her on a unique path of beauty and novelty. Aesthetics, technical precision and emotional appeal are the hall mark of her bandishs. These bandishs depict beautiful blend of tradition, novelty and contermporary trends in music. With their natural beauty, poise and lay listeners.
Looking at the changing trends in music, there s a great need for new bandishs. I am sure, the music world will accept ‘Swararangee’ with warmth and open mind.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist