What will I remember about this concert of the Kelemen Quartet's a few years from now?The fact that it was the first time I watched a lady in a sari play the cello ? Maybe not. The music was so beautiful that I forgot within a few moments that people are usually so conscious of the way they sit in a sari.The fact that right in the middle of a compelling Bartòk piece, the trumpet of a wedding procession outside confused us all? Somehow, I think I will remember that. Even though I don't want to.The fact that they were all so expressive that it felt as if they were dancing with their instruments? I hope so.Mozart, Bartòk, Schubert - each was magnificent. I had Eine Kleine Nachtmusik in my head all evening. Not because it was my favourite, but because it was the most familiar, and Bartòk was just so elusive. I can see their faces in my head - now so cross with the music they see, now … [Read more...]
Sawai Gandharva
Sitting at the bharatiya baithak on the second day of the Sawai Gandharva festival, I realised once again that for me, the festival is as much about the grand music as about watching people. There are all sorts there. People come with yoga mats, some get floor chairs for a back-rest, some come with all their picnic paraphernalia of sheet to sit on and food to eat. What I love is that music is so 'everyday' for them. Sitting and eating or even lying down and looking at the stars when space permits are no mark of disrespect. It's just enjoyment the way they want to enjoy classical music without social restrictions and conformation to norms.People-watching made me smile yesterday because two old ladies found place to sit near us. Getting to that precious empty space would have been difficult, though. Weaving their way through people watching the big screen, captivated by exceptional … [Read more...]