APOORVA GOKHALE AND PALLAVI JOSHI -- A DUO IN AN UNEQUAL MUSIC

APOORVA GOKHALE AND PALLAVI JOSHI -- A DUO IN AN UNEQUAL MUSIC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQEMB0FWWCA&fbclid=IwAR3zZjR7kLkuMzdlhXi-KB0YKHNQxBX8j3qFYUc8njmfZYxMIf_8OlVU3Q4

Beautiful rendition by Apoorva Gokhale has here been marred by lacklustre performance of the off-tune novice, Pallavi Joshi. For duets to function well, exponents of like calibre must be united in exhibition of this melodic art form. Both the singers, though, lack in power of rendition which comes only through sustained practice over long years with an eye to perfection and not popularity. A Rasoolan Bai or a Kesar Bai Kerkar sings with such power that is hardly evident in any female singer these days. This may be because of stylistic difference, an altered approach to rendition these days from what it used to be in the days of performance in palace under royal patronage, but it, I believe, is also on account of lesser input work that goes in these days into the music of artistes which makes their voice and mind less prepared for such power-renditions. Over-softness in singing is often another name for lack of control over the vocal chords and consequent lack of confidence in full-throated throw of the swars (musical notes). This is a matter of serious concern as artistes are progressively taking to the easier path of a soft, debilitated approach to rendition as opposed to its robust sibling which undernourished lies in wait for some such practised performer to take note of it and give it a fresh lease of life. All this and so much more may be written but let this suffice for the hour. May the Mother Swaraswati bless only those artistes who truly pay Her reverence by engaging themselves in austere sadhana for achieving perfection in music by Her grace !

P.S. : A word of appreciation for Pallavi Joshi's soft style is due as well. Her voice is mellifluous to an extent but she refuses to open up and send her voice through in a robust manner that would take hold of the notes properly instead of just softly caressing them always, no doubt an estimable embellishment at times but must be so only at the artiste's will and not enforced upon her due to deficiency in voice control. Contrarily, Apoorva Gokhale is bolder in her rendition relatively and graces the notes with better power and poise, although even she leaves much undone that ought to be in her repertoire soon if she wishes to achieve class in the genre of classical music.

Written by Sugata Bose