An evening of soothing classical music
Born in a musical family he is one of the foremost young Hindustani classical vocalists of his generation in India. He received his initial training from his father, Professor Arun Kumar Chatterjee, a highly respected and accomplished representative of the Kirana Gharana, and from his mother Shefali Chatterjee. Fuelled by the need to continue on his quest for music, Sarathi continues to receive Talim from the celebrated and well-known Hindustani classical vocalist, Pandit Rajan-Sajan Mishra of Benaras Gharana, specialising in Khayal Gayaki.
At the concert, Sarathi began with raga Bagesri in which he presented Vilambit Khayal in ektal, Kaun Gata Bhaili followed by two bandish set to treetal and ending with a very fast tempo in Tarana. Skilfully and intricately he spun the chords of Bagesri, mesmerising all with his enchanting voice. This presentation took over almost an hour where his melodious, touching alap and bistar kept the audience entranced. His composition of complex yet well structured sargams and tans portrayed the emotional content of the raga and he concluded the presentation with the Tarana as a climax of the Bagesri experience. Bagesri is a well known raga particularly to those who take lessons in classical music and there were many young students among the audience who could grasp the contents.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The High Commission of India, through its Information and Culture wing, provides training to the enthusiastic students of Bangladesh. In this context, free lessons in classical music, dance and yoga, among others are offered throughout the year. Men, women of various ages and backgrounds throng to these centres in Dhanmondi and Gulshan to learn these arts. As Sarathi mentioned in conclusion, there are many eager learners in Bangladesh but there is a dearth of teachers of classical music in the country. By providing such remarkable gurus for our eager learners, the High Commission has made a significant gesture and underscored the rich shared heritage that enriches the subcontinent.
Possessing a powerful and melodious voice, Sarathi's music now, is his own creation, blending elements of the Benaras Gharana into the Kirana Gharana and his own Gayaki. This synthesis of the two great traditions of the Kirana and Benaras Gharanas has produced a unique musical expression and experience. His traditional treatment of ragas has won acclaim for 'not diluting the purity by even a fraction'. This was reflected in Sarathi Chatterjee's next renderings, where he presented raga Desh, a romantic raga with lyrics, which depict the monsoon melody as Barshan Ayi Kare Badara. This was followed by a teental composition in raga Tilak Kamod. His skill in rendering lighter versions of the classical ragas were also characterised by an unusual depth of expression, purity of tone and presentation.
Sri Prasun Chatterjee accompanied him on the tabla and Md Shakoor on the harmonium.