Madhukali / Blog

Idea, practice, appreciation – this is the cycle involved in creation and enjoyment of art. Expression itself holds a great value in the artistic process. Change in external circumstances, in living conditions, have honed human skills and instincts. The aesthetic element manifesting itself through numerous practices had been taken for granted. It was only as we bid adieu to second millennium that need to protect and nurture this spirit was recognized. “Art as Vehicle of Intangible” was therefore chosen as topic worthy of artistic deliberations. Madhukali organized annual Omenad Conference on 31st December, 1st January and 2nd January 2011 with performances by various scholar-artistes leaving lasting impression on aficionados of Bhopal. Music lovers, scholars and enthusiasts had travelled from across country to attend conference and concerts during three-day event organized by Madhukali in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya. Several well-wishers and music-lovers had expressed their desire for organization of another such event and at cities other than Bhopal. In discussing the essence of Indian aesthetics in “Art as Vehicle of Intangible”, it had come out that more opportunities must be created for expression of art in keeping with sensibilities innate in Art, to effect course-correction.

In the domain of Indian Classical Music the urgency for safeguarding of traditional practices needs to be recognized. For it to be vehicle of intangible, Art needs to be regularly displayed. It was recognized that the there are two main areas where safeguarding efforts have to be directed.

First, the physical vessel – the musical instruments – and then, the treasure being transported – content of Indian music require attention of ICH facilitators. Madhukali, in all previous Omenad Annual Conferences had emphasized on the urgent need of safeguarding medieval and ancient Veena-s that over the past few decades have fast fallen into near obsolescence. The two forms of Veena that reached 20th century – Rudra Veena and Vichitra Veena – have almost disappeared in 21st. Generational scions alone may find motivation to master these challenging ancient instruments.

Concerts for Conservation, Alaap held at Bhopal & Indore on 7^th and 8^th January 2012 showcased the two forms of Veena-s in two cities. Days later, Durlabh Raga Prasang was organized at Indore. Three day event designed to focus attention on content of Indian classical tradition, started on 13^th January. Scholars and performers from across the country discussed reasons for increasing lack of visibility for traditional and innovative content. Afternoon discussion held at EMRC was recorded for enrichment of education.   …For full report visit  http://omenad.net/events/durlabh

Tags: Complex Content, Conservation, Durlabh Raga Prasang, Indian Classical Music, Indore, Jaipur-Atrauli, Madhukali, Omenad, Raga, Rajshekhar Mansur, rare, Rudra Veena, Safeguarding, Vichitra Veena

This entry was posted on Saturday, January 28th, 2012 at 6:49 pm and is filed under Reports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.