Talktime | Shubha mudgal
Born to musically inclined academician parents, Mudgal has been trained by finest musicians in classical music. She talks to Shalini Saksena about the changes classical music has undergone and how she spends her day with music — riyaaz, teaching, reading and writing
There is a change in presentation format and repertoire. From Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo to Kesariya Balam — all are being included in the repertoire of Hindustani classical music. Often these tracks are presented as opening recitals instead of the raagdari compositions that artistes earlier started with
Is classical music losing its charmIJ
If the large number of listeners attending many concerts and festivals are any measure of the popularity of classical music, it is by no means losing its charm. Having said that, large audiences are seen only at festivals and events where organisers and promoters have for years struggled and persevered to present and promote classical music.
How do such concerts help promote classical as a genreIJ
Repeated exposure to the music of accomplished artistes and easy, often free of charge access to their performances, to a large extent results in greater awareness about classical music and helps garner more listeners for the genre.
What is the change that you have seen taking place in classical musicIJ
The itminaan or sense of unhurried leisure that is associated with the genre, is almost extinct now. Most concerts take place between 6.30 and 10 pm, and in an event to garner more listeners, organisers tend to schedule several performances in the same evening. Each artiste gets no more than an hour or so to perform, which includes tuning up. Extended, elaborate delineations of a raag are, therefore, not possible.
How is the audience different in India from that abroadIJ
It is difficult to generalise about any audience. Both in India and overseas, there are events where you find highly trained and informed listeners and connoisseurs in the same city where in another event, you may find audiences who chatter through the performances, use their mobiles to find out which sabzi has been cooked at home for dinner, and even pose for selfies while the artiste is deep into a meditative alaap.
Do you think that Bollywood music has something to do with changing music tastesIJ
No, it cannot be blamed for the challenges that classical music faces.
Would you agree the fusion will help further classical musicIJ
I don’t agree. Fusion is a separate genre and cannot help further classical music in any way.
What are the challenges musicians like you face todayIJ
The challenges I face today come from the music itself. I try my best to improve, but the great musicians of yesteryear have set such high standards that each time I listen to their recordings, I feel there is much to do and work on. I also see a change in the presentation formats and repertoire for classical music performances. From Jingle Bells to Aaj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo to the Rajasthani maand raag — Kesariya Balam — all are being included in the repertoire of Hindustani classical music. Often these tracks are even presented as the opening tracks of recitals instead of the raagdari compositions that artistes earlier started with.
How many hours do you still spend in riyaazIJ
I spend almost the entire day with music. All my time is not spent on riyaaz alone, but on listening, teaching, reading and writing about music.
What advice would you give to young budding classical singersIJ
Simple! listen to your guru.
Image Courtesy: Raghav Pasricha