The Reticent Musician - Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh
Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh found his wonderland in the world of notes (sur). He was marvelled by his experiences and greatly absorbed in them. He spoke little, shared less and delved more. His precision of tuning tanpura and acute listening made him a musician of musicians.
I listen to music in the tanpura. My only attempt is to sing along with it. - Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh.
In this exhibition we present recordings which highlight the sonorous nature of Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh's music.
Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh during a concert (2009) by Photograph by: Soumitra InamdarBaithak Foundation
Raga Multani
Vijay dada, as he was fondly addressed naturally gravitated towards certain ragas due to their quality of inwardness and Multani was one such raga. This is recording of a session at a studio where he sang for a select audience.
Lakshmi Vallabha
A bhajan by Sant Tukaram that speaks of surrender. Brilliantly composed by Pt. Kumar Gandharva, Vijay dada's Guru. The musical expression communicates the complete melting of ego. With minimum use of embellishments and display of virtuosity this recording embodies that emotion.
Raga Jaijaiwanti
The evening melody of Jaijaiwanti was also his favourite. Though ragas are believed to have specific moods and characters, Vijay dada could turn any raga inward as was his temperament.
Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita Cooking and Eating in the Wilderness (c. 1820) by IndianThe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Raghubir Ki Sudh
This is a bhajan by Sant Tulasidas describing the sense of helplessness after the departure of Ram, Lakshman and Sita. One cannot fail but notice how this beautiful poetry is enhanced by the music. The focus on communicating the intensity of devotion and longing is evident.
Radha and Krishna Dressed in Each Other’s Clothes (circa 1800) by UnknownLos Angeles County Museum of Art
A Different Thumri
Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh sings a thumri which sounds reminiscent of days of contemplation and waiting.
Vasanta Vilasa (a poem on Spring) (detail) (1451)Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
An Enchanting Rendition
To end the exhibition here is the beautiful melody of Raga Basant. The raga celebrates and sings the praise of the enchanting season of spring.
Hum Paradesi
A Sant Kabir bhajan tuned from a space of experience by Pt. Kumar Gandharva, where he describes himself as the bird from a distant land who does not belong here. Somewhat like Vijay dada himself, he and his music were other worldly.
Vijay dada's father Pt. Vitthalrao Sardeshmukh had close ties with Pt. Kumar Gandharva. Here is a link to a collection of memories penned by Vitthalrao. The observations and anecdotes allow us to enter the rich musical world of the mid-nineties in which Vijay dada was nurtured.
Microtones in Indian Classical MUsic
Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh presented an elaborate lecture-demonstration on tanpuras. Here is an exhibition that presents his thoughts on microtones in Indian Classical Music which can be heard from the tanpura.
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