Anil laments live music scene in India

“As a culture, we are able to handle pasta, Biryani and all varieties of food easily. So why not apply the same fusion into every other aspect of life, like music?”

The piano is a relatively recent addition to the Indian musical scene, with very few Indians using it as a medium for Hindustani and Carnatic renditions. Anil Srinivasan, who is one among the few to practice the same, performed live at a concert titled ‘TOUCH’ at Hyderabad Public School on Saturday.

Recognising India’s lack of a piano tradition, ‘TOUCH’ was Srinivasan’s attempt to put together pieces inspired by classical Indian ragas, film music, works of Indian composers and Indian poetry-inspired renditions. Srinivasan, who hails from Chennai, was a delight to watch as his graceful renditions brought out the grandeur of Indian and Western classical music.

“As a culture, we are able to handle pasta, Biryani and all varieties of food easily. So why not apply the same fusion into every other aspect of life, like music?” asks pianist Anil Srinivasan. This is the kind of music that defines him.

His performance made all the difference due to the multimedia narrative playing in the background; accompanied with silent visuals of a potter moulding clay, kids playing on a street and others. The concert was a tribute to great musicians including late Mandolin Shrinivas, Rakesh Chaurasia and Murad Ali.

After nine years of being in the industry, Srinivasan’s observation is that people don’t seem to appreciate live music. His advice for younger generations is to keep themselves open to all genres of music. “The ipods and ipads have spoilt the quality of music.

There is beauty in live music, and we need to go to more live concerts and listen to our own countrymen. And I don’t just mean rock or pop concerts, but live classical music concerts,” explains Srinivasan. He adds that children are able to absorb anything at a young age. “Keeping their interest alive is very important,” he says.

Recalling a victorious moment from recent months, Srinivasan who has composed, performed and recorded alongside many musicians in India and abroad shares, “In May, I did I concert in Canada where somebody introduced me as the “Keith Jarrett” from India. That was the high point for me in recent times.”

The pleasant musical evening began with a performance by Saketh Ram, a 13-year-old student from a city school, who played one of Beethoven’s sonata and Chopin’s ‘Petite Chien’. Saketh, who is trained in music by his IT professional father, recently completed Grade 8 from Trinity School of Music.

An initiative by Hyderabad Western Music Foundation, Musee Musical and Hyderabad Public School, ‘TOUCH’ saw a room packed with a mixed crowd of all ages.

By Elita enoch