Boosting instrumentalism

Violin players, Ganesh and Kumaresh have created a benchmark for young aspirants of Indian classical music, especially Carnatic classical music after they explored the realm of music and introduced refreshingly original content and style using the instrument. The duo had recently organised Vaadya Vybhava–2012, Carnatic Classical Instrumental Extravaganza in the city in order to encourage young aspirants in the world of

music to take up learning musical instruments. They released a new album titled, ‘Ragapravaham’. The duo had earlier rendered violin for – Colours of India, Navarasa, Shadjam, Aksharam, Carnatic Chills, Expressions, Samarpan and Brahmma. When City Express interacted with Kumaresh, he spoke at length about the various aspects of instruments, the support from family and his experience performing with his wife, Jayanthi Kumaresh, a Veena artiste. Speaking about the present day scenario, he said, “Today, in a music festival which runs

for 10-15 days, the organisers mostly emphasise on the vocalists’ performance rather than the solo performance of instrumentalists. Audience need not have vast knowledge about the lyrics, style of rendition, compositions and others to enjoy the music when played on instruments unlike vocal concerts.” Recalling one of his bitter incidents in Chennai, which is the hub of Indian Classical music, he said, “In one of the music festivals, Ganesh and I approached the organisers to perform a violin duet. They promised to give a chance only when we proved our mettle by accompanying the vocalist. Is it the parameter to judge a musician? Due to lack of opportunities, many young students, who were instrumentalists earlier, are now rendering vocal concerts to survive in the industry.”

Earlier this scenario did not exist in the industry, explained Kumaresh. “A decade ago, we had witnessed the exclusive solo performances of maestros like N Ramani, M S Gopalakrishnan, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and others.

But such exclusive instrumental performances are hardly taking place today,” he said. The duo, Ganesh and Kumaresh, were trained by their father, TS Rajagopalan, an excellent artiste in his own right, at an early age.

Sharing some of his memorable experiences and support he received from his father, Kumaresh says with a smile, “My father was a villain to me. He never let me play until I practiced. But, I thank my father for what I am today.” Kumaresh finds music as a medium to express himself. He finds immense joy in music. When asked about Ganesh and Kumaresh combination, “I have always been an extrovert, but Ganesh is unlike me. Our outlook is totally different. With respect to music, during my initial days of learning, he guided me well and told me about the elements that a violinist needs to look forward to in a concert. Those meticulous observations have helped me adopt new elements in my performance today.” Performing with Jayanthi is an absolute pleasure says

Kumaresh. “While performing with Jayanthi, it is just that we express ourselves,” he concluded.