Two renowned Indian musicians will demonstrate their talents Friday at an afternoon lecture and evening concert. The event is part of the University School of Music’s World Music Series, a program that exposes listeners to the music of different cultures.
Musicians Rajeev Taranath and Abhiman Kaushal will be accompanied by University music professor Doug Scheuerell in a traditionally improvisational performance. Taranath — who is on faculty at the California Institute for the Arts in Los Angeles — plays the sarod, a stringed melody instrument, and he is one of the most distinguished sarod players in India. Kaushal, also an international performer, will be playing the tabla, a classical North Indian drum. Scheuerell will join both on the tamboura, a stringed instrument that provides background drone to the melody.
“Playing North Indian music requires a lot of thinking,” Scheuerell said. “The actual playing is also very physical and can cause you to work up a sweat. And it is spiritual because it was developed eons ago in India for purposes of self-realization.”
He added that Taranath is a disciple of Maestro Ali Akbar Khan, the most celebrated sarod player in India.
“Rajeev has a rare talent,” Scheuerell said. “To get to the same level as either him or Abhiman would be very difficult because they began playing at six or seven years old with gurus as their instructors.”
University music professor Mark Levy, who also organized the World Music Series, said North Indian music consists of a melodic system, “raga,” and a rhythmic system, “tala.” At this performance, the sarod will supply the raga rhythm and the tabla and tamboura will supply the tala rhythms.
“The melody evokes the mood of the music, and the rhythm is quite mind-boggling and complicated,” Levy said.
University student Chas Hastings, who has been studying the tabla for one year, said the lecture and concert will show students the amount of dedication a musician can put into his or her work.
“Indian musicians sometimes practice for 40 days straight,” Hastings said. “They remain in one room for the entire period while other people bring them food.”
Hastings also said the improvisational aspect is a unique musical element for students to witness.
“None of the performances are rehearsed beforehand, yet the music is perfect,” he said.
The lecture will be in the Ben Linder Room in the EMU at 3:30 p.m. and is free. During the lecture, Taranath will discuss both the organization of the concert and how Indian music is constructed.
The concert will be at 8 p.m. at Beall Concert Hall, inside the University School of Music. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students or senior citizens and are only available at the door.