Strings of Innovation:Redefining Indian Classical Music | Debashish Bhattacharya | TEDxIEM Salt Lake

Key Concepts

• Control, Alter, Delete: A framework for making choices and taking leadership in one's own journey.
• Paradox: The speaker's experience of being immersed in Indian classical music while playing a Hawaiian guitar.
• Sound Scientist: The speaker's self-described role as an innovator and reimaginer of sound.
• Reimagining Soundscapes: The speaker's mission to change the perception of the Hawaiian guitar in Indian classical music.
• World Music Artist: The speaker's identity as a musician who bridges cultures and genres.
• Chaturangi: A four-voiced instrument combining elements of sitar, saraswati vina, slide guitar, and voice.
• Gandharvi: A 12-string instrument designed for sustained notes, inspired by rudra veena, sarangi, and voice.
• Anandi: A high-pitched, four-string instrument inspired by the ukulele and mandolin.
• Pushpavina: A slide instrument with a hide top, a unique combination of features.

Introduction and Personal Journey

The speaker expresses humility and joy at presenting at TEDx in his home city. He frames his journey as one of "control, alter, and delete," emphasizing the leadership he took in his own choices. He feels honored to speak, noting the parallel between the TEDx theme and his life as a "sound scientist."

The Paradox of the Hawaiian Guitar

At age three, the speaker received a Hawaiian guitar and was immersed in Indian classical music, creating a "complete paradox." He attempted to translate the nuances of Indian classical vocal and instrumental music onto the Hawaiian guitar. This presented a challenge, as the instrument was unfamiliar to audiences accustomed to traditional Indian instruments. He faced prejudice but chose to explore the challenge.

Overcoming Obstacles and Redefining the Instrument

At age seven, the speaker applied for a national scholarship, performing rag Bhairav on a six-string Hawaiian guitar. Despite ranking first among one million contestants, he was denied the scholarship because he played the Hawaiian guitar. He chose to "alter" rather than "delete," continuing to explore the instrument's potential. Over 55 years, he has reimagined soundscapes and arrangements to bridge cultures, becoming known as a world music artist. He aimed to create awareness that the slide guitar could belong in Indian classical music, requiring alterations and decisions guided by an "inside voice."

The Mission as a Sound Scientist

The speaker's mission as a "sound scientist" was to reimagine the Hawaiian guitar. This led to the creation of four unique instruments: Chaturangi, Gandharvi, Anandi, and Pushpavina. He will demonstrate each instrument's unique sound.

Chaturangi: The Four-Voiced Instrument

The Chaturangi is the most updated version, featuring a hollow neck. The first version, created at age 15 in 1978, had a hollow body with a round sound hole and a solid neck. In the 1980s, he modified the design, bending the top like a semi-arched top and adopting two F-holes to enhance the sound. The instrument has two strings in the front. The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying three fingers for fast movements and creating soulful sounds. He demonstrates the instrument's ability to create various soundscapes, such as creaky doors or bird sounds. In the 1990s, he added a hollow neck, inspired by Indian instruments like the sitar and tanpura. The carvings on the instrument are inspired by ancient Indian temples and caves.

Gandharvi: The Sustaining Instrument

The Gandharvi was conceived to address the issue of short sustain in slide instruments. The idea was to create longer sustain to follow the "Gayaki" or singing style in Indian classical music. The solution was to use pairs of strings of the same gauge, pitch, and length. The speaker demonstrates the instrument's long sustain. The instrument has three spare strings with unison strings and three octave strings, creating sounds reminiscent of the rudra veena, sarangi, saraswati vina, and the human voice. The neck design is inspired by ancient horse-drawn chariots. The instrument is powerful and well-suited for spiritual "alap" (improvisation). It holds the energy of three slide guitars in one. Only two Gandharvis were made due to the difficulty of playing it, requiring significant energy to pluck two tight strings simultaneously. The speaker calls it "the sound of the cosmos."

Anandi: The Ukulele-Inspired Instrument

Inspired by Hawaiian ukuleles and mandolins, the Anandi is a small, high-pitched instrument with four strings, similar in size to a viola or violin. It is made of rare Hawaiian koa wood. The instrument is designed for high-energy compositions and travel. The speaker demonstrates flamenco-style playing and its adaptation to Indian music.

Pushpavina: The Hide-Topped Instrument

The Pushpavina is unique as the first slide instrument with a hide top. Hide tops are typically found on freted instruments like the rabab, sarod, and dilruba.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by reflecting on his journey of innovation and learning, expressing hope for future creations. He thanks the audience for the opportunity to present at IM TEDx.