This blog post is a continuation of the thought process that was initiated in Dec 2018 through the blog : Classicalness Vs Massicalness - A story of Hindustani Classical Music
The Hindustani classical music is like a flowing river, constantly
changing its form from the Dhrupad ,to Khayal of Amir Khusroo to Modern
day Khayal of Gharanas to Current mix of Khayal and light classical
blend. This transformation is ongoing for ages and the audience is the
determining factor that decides the further growth and transformation !
We all connoisseurs are just spectators and unbiased witness to this change and transformation !
The transformation of classicalness to massicalness was a forced transformation necessitated by the loss patronage by princely states of India, due to their fall after Indian Independence. In order to popularize music among larger population and gain patronage, festivals like Sawai Gandharva Mahotsav in 1950s , musicians initiated "marketing" tricks to attract
more audience and patrons for the Hindustani Classical Music ! Most of
these Classical Music festivals in India were started by musicians
themselves to make Classical Music more "accessible" and "popular" among
general masses. This was the first step in diluting or transforming the Classical form to a form that would be more appealing to mass audience. My earlier post on Classicalness to Massicalness in this regard is here.
The real problem is that .. classical music is not for masses , it is for chosen few. One cannot make it "popular" .. people (audience) have to get mature , learned , patient and experience life as such (hence even get older) to appreciate the "Bhaav" or "Ras" aspect of it. The technicalities are taught in schools and gurukuls by teachers and gurus simply to make the student / disciple , attain the ability to learn classical music in his/her own way. It will and has never made a true performer. A classical music performer truly starts "performing" at age of around 35-40 if he has had good training for previous 10-20 years !
The patronage to true Classical music is by a select class ; mature and rich enough to appreciate the depth, dedication, nuance and philosophy of the performing artist. The "Classical Music Festival" music is one where a performer tries to gain popularity among "masses" , many a times by diluting the classicalness with light music , bhajans , songs etc .. This marketing has definitely helped in gaining popularity ,patronage and acceptance of the "classical" music among masses. In due course of time , this "popularization" might help in making certain percentage of these masses being attracted to the true classical form of music.
The true classical music form is now performed more in the "Chamber music" or "Chote-khani mahfils", where a classical performer presents more of the classical side than the massical side of his / her talim. I compare this to the two forms of cricket "Test Match Cricket" and the 20-20 version of the game. Both with their own forms and even complementing to the game as a whole. The "Classical Music Festival" type music could be compared to the ODI form of cricket ! A compromise between the two extremes !
Classical music is like a river that transforms every decade and generation over years. We are in a delicate phase of time where we are fortunate to enjoy the true maestros, the budding new talent, rebels as well as true traditionalists.