The Genius of Series The world of Hindustani Classical Music comprises of Geniuses, both vocalist and instrumentalists. Their music emanates a divine spark. Be it their first recording or a phase of experimentation or perhaps a time when they reached a crescendo in their careers, each of these is a slice of history. And we at Saregama are proud custodians of these immortal moments.
In this series, we have compiled some of the finest performances of the legends, thereby showcasing the Genius of these Geniuses!
Pt. Kumar Gandharv Born on 8th April, 1924 in Sulebhavi near Belgaum (Karnataka), Pt. Kumar Gandharv was acclaimed as a child prodigy. Shivaputra Siddramaiyya komkali was his given name but was affectionately nicknamed ‘Kumar Gandharv’, reminiscent of the ever youthful celestial musician, Gandharv of the Hindu mythology.
Kumarji’s exceptional grasping abilities to reproduce the renderings of the old masters of music such as Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Pt. Omkarnath Thakur, Ustad Faiyyaz Khan, and others, gave the world a glimpse of his genius.
Being different from the rest of the vocalists of his times, Pt. Kumar Gandharv became a name synonymous with ‘Unconventionalism.’ Breaking barriers, setting new standards in the face of the arch conservative world of Hindustani Classical music, leveraged him to the status of a legend.
Kumarji began tutoring under Prof B.R. Deodhar a doyen of the Gwalior Gharana, who ensured a strong foundation for his musical journey ahead. He made his debut at a music conference in Mumbai in 1935.
The courage and sensitivity Kumarji brought to his music, coupled with long arduous years of practice, helped him evolve a musical style of his own. He transformed Gwalior Gayakee and took it to new heights. His brilliance resulted in a unique style which came to be popularly hailed as the Kumar Gandharv Gayakee.
Experimentation and Innovation were the hallmarks of Kumarji’s musical prowess. The conviction and commitment displayed by Kumarji speak volumes of his brilliance.
Pt Kumar Gandharv has been honored by the Padmabhushan, Padma Vibhushan, Kalidas Samman, Sangeet Natak Academy award and fellowship, Doctrate from Vikram University, President’s award, besides many others.
This three CD-pack encompasses the best of Pt Kumar Gandharv, thus justifying the series ‘The Genius of.”
CD 1 consists of 3 full-fledged Ragas. The album opens with a monsoon melody in Raga Miyan Malhar followed by Raga Gandhi Malhar which is Panditji’s own creation. Then comes a Jod Raga Patmanjiri. The album concludes with the seasonal Raga Bahar.
CD 2 is completely based on morning ragas. There are 3 variations of Raga Bhairav namely, Bhavmat Bhairav, Bihad Bhairav both of which are Kumarji’s own creations. These are followed by the very popular Raga Ahir Bhairav. The album concludes with Saheli Todi, yet another creation by Kumarji.
CD 3 has 10 beautiful tracks in which Panditji has rendered madhyalaya bandishein in various colorful ragas. The album concludes with Kabeer and Gorakhnath Bhajans. Both the bhajans are very popular which are composed by Pandit. Kumarji conceived, presented and popularized ‘Nirguni Bhajans’.
Pt. Kumar Gandharva’s musical genius expands over a large canvas. Our endeavor to capture a glimpse of that in this series, is more of a tribute to that legend and to his invaluable contribution to Indian Classical Music.
CD 1 1. Raga –Miyan Malhar [1972] Khayal Vilambit Ektaal Karim Naam Tero Khayal Drut Teentaal Bole Re Papihara
2. Raga – Gandhi Malhar [1972] Khayal Vilambit Ektaal Tum Ho Dheer Ho Re Khayal Drut Ektaal Tum Mein Sab Roop
3. Raga – Patmanjiri [1968] Khayal Vilambit Chautaal Sab Ras Ek Bhayo Hai Khayal Drut Teentaal Yaad Ayeeri Jagi Main
4. Raga – Bahar [1976] Khayal Teentaal Aeso Kaiso Aayo
CD 2 1. Raga – Bhavamat Bhairav [1970] Khayal Vilambit Teentaal Kantha Re Jano Re Khayal Drut Ektaal Dai Bata De Ri
2. Raga – Beehad Bhairav [1969] Khayal Vilambit Teentaal Ye Ho Re Sham Khayal Drut Teentaal Bana Bani Aayo
3. Raga – Ahir Bhairav [1986] Khayal Madhyalaya Teentaal Kaise Manalun Re
4. Raga – Saheli Todi [1969] Khayal Vilambit Ektaal Kahere Jagavan De Khayal Drut Ektaal Chanda Sa Mukh Ban
CD 3 1. Raga – Puriya Dhanashri [1974] Khayal Teentaal Aajra Din Dooba
2. Raga – Chaiti Bhoop [1976] Khayal Teentaal Ni Mori Ka
3. Raga – Nand [1976] Khayal Teentaal Rajan Ab To Aaja Re
4. Raga – Kalyan [1974] Khayal Teentaal Mukh Tero Karo Kahe Hai Ri
5. Raga – Kamodvanti [1976] Khayal Teentaal Ye To Man Leri
6. Raga – Sohni [1974] Khayal Teentaal Rang Na Daro Shyamji
7. Raga – Malavati [1960] Mangal Din Aaj
8. Raga – Sohni Bhatiyar [1960] Mharoji Bhulo Na Mane
9. Kabeer Bhajan [1969] Naiya Mori Nike Nike
10. Gorakhnath Bhajan [1969] Duje Ke Sang Nahin Jaoonjee
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