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Magic of melody
They are the sons and
disciples of noted Hindustani Banaras Gharana vocalist Pandit Rajan
Mishra, but have arrived in their own right. Their album Sangam has been
selling like hot cakes abroad. Minna Zutshi
in a tête-à-tête with Ritesh and Rajnish Mishra.
Debonair duo: Two voices, one soul.
— Photo by Pawan Sharma |
"M usic
has the power to touch the chords of our conscience. Our
classical music goes back to ancient times. Trace the history of Raga
Bhairav and you may have to traverse centuries back in time," says
Ritesh.
During SPICMACAY programmes to which they are often
invited, they try to give classical music a friendly, here-and-now
touch. "Why make classical music a tortuous task? And why not make
youngsters alive to the beauty of this music?" Ritesh reasons out.
Often, the youngsters get so involved in the brothers’
tuneful compositions (like Sa sunder, re sunder, ga bhi sunder)
that the magic of melody wafts through the hall resounding with the
swara of the uninitiated.
Pop it out
Pop music is nothing more than froth that skims for some
time on the surface. It is too frivolous to impact the classical Indian
music. The present-day-pop rattled off on screen is not even western
pop; it is a noisy mélange.
"The popularity of Wadali Brothers rests on their being
rooted to their culture. They have surged way ahead of other Punjabi
singers, just because they have been true to their music," says Rajnish.
"There is a kind of monotony about pop music. It seems as if same tunes
are mixed and matched to produce what is passed off as new pop music,"
adds Ritesh, a big scowl furrowing his face.
Pop’s not here to stay, feel the brothers. Its demise is
foretold, though it may not be music to many ears!
Yeh mera India
Ritesh and Rajnish have given many stage performances
abroad. Their vocal music workshops at the London University School of
Oriental and African Studies have been an annual feature since 1998.
"The audience abroad is very receptive. The
concert-culture is strong there. In our own country, people have still
to clear their minds off cacophonous cobwebs. Perhaps, they are not yet
orientated towards the rich cultural heritage of India," rues Ritesh.
Live performances are their forte, though they do cut
albums, too. "Albums adorn only the racks of music shops. Classical
music albums are relegated to the non-visibility-corner of the racks,"
they say.
In harmony
"We are two
voices and one soul," aver the brothers. But it’s Ritesh who loves to
talk nineteen to the dozen. After all, he’s the older one!
These young vocalists find their harmony at Swarangan,
where they stay together with their father and uncle, vocalist Sajan
Mishra. Even when giving joint performances with western musicians, they
go in for harmony and not fusion. "In fusion, each musician tries to
create his own music, hardly leaving any scope for harmony." These days,
they are penning a book on khayal gayaki. The book is a part of a
series on Indian classical music by different musicians. |
