While trembling rhythms synchronise with emotions and memories; etudes and arpeggios breathe a clarity of distinction into musical cadences.As Henry Ward Beecher once said, “Music cleanses the understanding; inspires it, and lifts it into a realm which it would not reach if it were left to itself.” Celebrating this gesture, Bangalore School of Music organised a gala orchestral evening Music of the Great Masters; by the BSM Chamber Orchestra which was conducted by Narayanaswamy V at Alliance Francaise yesterday.In a candid conversation with City Express, the musical maestro delves into the rigidity and beauty of Western classical music.Tell us something about yourself.Well, I grew up in Seshadripuram, Bangalore.Growing up, I was exposed to a lot of Indian classical music, Carnatic to be precise. To put it succinctly, I belong to a South Indian family rooted in Carnatic music. I do believe that music forms an integral part of our lives. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me.How has your journey been with Carnatic music so far? Well, I will be honest with you. It is extremely difficult to appreciate good Carnatic music. The intricacies and vastness of this genre go beyond one’s imagination.I did undergo vocal training in Carnatic music until I stumbled upon Western classical. While in college, I was invited to join a city brass band; and gradually playing in ensembles and orchestras I mastered the art of playing several brass and woodwind instruments; and string instruments such as violin and double bass. My tryst with Western classical music started way back in the past when my father used to listen to elaborate pieces on the radio. The whole idea of hundreds of musicians gathered under one roof and creating symphonies was awe inspiring. Music is universal.Preference in Western does not imply that we have forgotten our traditional values and morality rather we appreciate them even more.What is it about music that intrigues you the most? One thing that interests me the most in music is discipline.Aside from instilling different moods, music has the innate ability to establish a connection with each other. The mathematics involved in Western classical music has a profound ability to bind all forces together.And, it has definitely aided in understanding music better. Analysis of characters in music is thoroughly exciting too. However, classical music tends to have a certain level of rigidity. But amidst all that rigidity lays true beauty too. Music has indeed burgeoned over the centuries.Do you feel that the rigidity in Western classical music could have adverse effects on musicians and music in general? Well, as I said earlier, this genre of music can seem a little rigorous and rigid.However, the immense beauty and complexity at every step is what makes it mesmerising. There are sequences of steps involved in the various analytical structures that form a piece of music. Many Western classical musicians are rigidly bound by composition and texture. However, I feel it is essential for an artiste to be as open-minded as possible and embrace all genres.Infact jazz and blues are arguably one of the most remarkable creations of mankind today.How would you describe Mozart’s style? I feel Mozart was a jazz artiste.The room for improvisations he provided in every piece (except for quartets) was nothing short of brilliant.It would have a main melody and some figured structures but the rest was left to the imagination of any musician.Hence, I call him a jazz musician.Yohann Strauss and Bach too were some of the greatest exponents of music we have ever had.How do you think we have transformed from Baroque to twentieth century popular period? Earlier, musicians made music because it not only gave them a sense of hope but also told their story. With frugal incomes and empty stomachs, they would sing tales of misery and poverty. That is how jazz and blues came into picture. They were the songs of slaves. Music those days were both soulful and had an earthy element to it. Baroque or even the Renaissance period brought forth some amazing music.It is all commercial now.For instance, there was a huge ranting and raving about West meets East, a chamber music performance, by Pandit Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin couple of years ago. How many of us are familiar with it now? Or Dr L Subramaniam’s Fantasy on Vedic Chants for that matter? Tastes and tones have indeed become more transient than what they used to be.Do you think more and more people are now interested in Western classical music? It all depends on the influence of elders on children who thrive on intrigue and curiosity at a very young age. We must instill a sense of purpose in art too; and let music seep into our minds.And, only then we will be able to appreciate true beauty.Right approach is a must when it comes to educating children on music.Tell us about Music of the Great Masters Well, as usual, I have prepared an extensive repertoire for the evening which includes Simple Symphony by Benjamin Britten that is transcribed to a string quartet and string orchestra. The technicality of the pieces is indeed commendable.We will start with Hymn (God of the fathers) which is a warm up piece. Aside from that four movements from Simple Symphony will be played — Boisterous Bourree, Playful Pizzicato, Sentimental Sarabande (this romantic piece is so soulful that even a deaf person will be able to enjoy and relate to it), and Frolicsome Finale (this piece resonates like rapid waterfalls and is absolutely gorgeous).Music of the Great Masters also included the well known Mozart’s Divertimento No 3 in F Major, Serenade for Strings by Elgar and two haunting elegiac melodies of Grieg. Commemorating Mario Guiliani’s bicentenary celebrations, guitarist Dinesh K also performed the Allegro Maestoso from the Concerto No 1. The gala ended with the stirring Radetzky March by Yohann Strauss.
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