Much to the disapproval of many purists the e-versions of the Tanpura are here to stay. These are basically travel-easy electronic versions, which provide the mandatory drone to any vocalist or instrumentalist practicing Indian (Classical) music. The beautiful Tanpura, made even now, mostly in the mecca of the instrument-making town in India, Miraj (near Goa), is beginning to face the threat, of becoming endangered soon. This even when there are many innovations to make it travel-friendly, like the smaller-lighter ones or the flatter “tumbas” (the round bottom that you typically see in a Tanpura). But surely that is not an option with accompanying instruments.
Fortunately, we are not at a point where electronic versions have completely taken over the live listening experience of the classical forms. Clearly, while in the thick of the Delhi winter, one can say that there is more to the woes of musicians than fog and delayed flights.
Life has become increasingly challenging while travelling with accompanying instrumentalists on private airlines. Airlines now charge extra for checking in musical instruments. Read the fine font on rules and regulations and you’ll see musical instruments are clubbed with LED devices and golf equipment. Fancy that! Only one would wish that these were comparable commodities and so should feature on the same list.
04/01/14 Vidya Shah/Daily News & Analysis
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Fortunately, we are not at a point where electronic versions have completely taken over the live listening experience of the classical forms. Clearly, while in the thick of the Delhi winter, one can say that there is more to the woes of musicians than fog and delayed flights.
Life has become increasingly challenging while travelling with accompanying instrumentalists on private airlines. Airlines now charge extra for checking in musical instruments. Read the fine font on rules and regulations and you’ll see musical instruments are clubbed with LED devices and golf equipment. Fancy that! Only one would wish that these were comparable commodities and so should feature on the same list.
04/01/14 Vidya Shah/Daily News & Analysis
