Workshop Details

Accompaniment on harmonium with special reference to Hindustani vocal music

A free online workshop on Zoom by Sudhir Nayak

Supported by Citi

Introduced to India during the mid-19th century by missionaries and traders, the hand-harmonium, also known as baja, was adopted and modified by the Indian craftsmen to suit the traditional Indian posture of sitting on the floor.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the compact and portable form of the Indian harmonium became integral to diverse genres of Indian music; from classical, semi-classical to popular, stage and devotional music. Notwithstanding the ban imposed by the All India Radio for about 30 years during the 20^th century, due to its technical limitations to produce microtones (shruti) and embellishments such as meend, ghasit and gamak, today, it is perhaps the most favoured instrument used for accompanying vocal music especially in North India.

A disciple of the harmonium maestro Tulsidas Borkar, Sudhir Nayak also received training from the noted vocalist and composer, Jitendra Abhisheki. He is equally at home with harmonium solo renditions as he is with accompaniment, and has performed with many illustrious performers at various places, globally. His rich experience in the field and eclectic approach towards music and arts have facilitated his role as a Guru and composer for several projects related to music and the arts.

This interactive workshop will focus on the art of accompaniment with special emphasis on providing harmonium accompaniment to various forms of Hindustani vocal music including khayal, thumri, dadra, tappa, tarana and other allied forms presented in a concert. The session will also throw light on the concert etiquette, requisites and qualities that need to be imbibed and developed while providing valuable aesthetic inputs and varied dimensions to the rendition, which go a long way in enriching the experience of the listener.

Entry free
Register Now: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uGQnLaQLSOCtxOU3fpWxIw