The Composer's Craft: Music & Rhythm
Music is not just background. It is the soul of performance. I compose original scores by blending Carnatic and Hindustani styles to create soundscapes that are both fresh and deeply traditional.
Composing is a form of therapy for me. Here, I am vocally performing a unique 'Kamali Chakradhar Paran' in Rudra Taal, an intricate rhythmic composition where the structure itself plays with the listener's expectations.
A short clip of me composing an abstract piece in the 'Dhamaar' taal. This is the foundational work of a composer, exploring rhythmic patterns and vocal percussion (padhant) that will later be developed into a full piece.
To celebrate Holi, I am sharing a special 'Holi paran' I composed many years ago. This rhythmic piece is designed to evoke the joy, color, and playful energy of the festival.
I was blessed to be guided to write and compose this Sanskrit Varna in praise of Goddess Durga. This piece combines devotional lyrics with a complex musical structure, sung here by Rohith Bhat.
It was a nerve-wracking yet fulfilling experience to direct the music for the 'Shubha Yoga' project, which featured many top musicians and even my own Guru. This offering is dedicated to the legacy of Purandara Dasa.
This is a recording of me at age 9 reciting the 'Kanduka Stuti', a hymn composed by Acharya Madhwa. Finding this clip was a wonderful reminder of how deeply rhythm and music have been a part of my life since childhood.
Sometimes you have to go back to your ex. Here I am, having a 'coffee date' with the tabla. Even if the performance isn't perfect, the practice and connection with the instrument are what matter.
These are the verses of my personal composition, the 'Sarveshwara Stotram', an offering to Lord Shiva. Writing poetry and lyrics in Sanskrit is a crucial part of my process, ensuring my work is grounded in tradition.
About The Composer's Craft: Music & Rhythm
When I compose for a performance, I look for the Rasa, that specific emotional essence that makes a piece stick. Whether it is a 10-minute solo track or a full-scale dance-drama score, my process involves rigorous rhythmic calculation and live recording with seasoned musicians to avoid the sterility of synthesized MIDI. If you have a specific mood or mythological theme in mind, let us discuss how we can build the soundscape from the ground up, starting with the Raga and Tala.
My Approach to Composition
Music production is an extension of the storytelling process. I do not use MIDI or generic loops. My work relies on live acoustic instruments, including Mridangam, Tabla, Flute, and Violin, recorded with professional-grade mixing to ensure the sound fills a theatre space correctly.
The Process
- Concept & Research: Every composition begins with the narrative. We select rare Sanskrit verses or Puranic themes that fit the mood of your performance.
- Rhythmic Structure: This is where the math meets art. I build complex Jathis and Tehais to ensure the rhythm supports the dancer's movement.
- Melodic Composition: I choose Ragas that evoke specific emotional responses. By blending the structure of Carnatic music with the expressive depth of Hindustani styles, we create a sound that feels new but stays rooted in tradition.
Why Choose Original Composition?
If you are preparing for a Ranga Pravesha or a thematic dance-drama, your music should be as unique as your choreography. Generic tracks can often distract from the Abhinaya (expression). My goal is to provide a soundscape that enhances your performance, ensuring the rhythm and melody are perfectly synced to the dancer's energy. I work closely with you to understand the specific needs of your project, from the initial concept to the final mastered WAV file.
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