Tattva

Widely considered one of the greatest table maestros, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee has helped spread Indian classical music across the world. After receiving first place in the All India Children’s Music Competition at the young age of 6, he was accepted as a student by the esteemed judge, Guru Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh. His tabla solo debut was at age 10. He has since developed into one of the most well-respected tabla solo performers of his generation.

The Indian Music Society of Minnesota presented a spectacular tabla solo recital by Pandit Anindo along with Vikas Falnikar (Harmonium accompaniment) in Minneapolis. Over 100 people attended the event. In the concert Chatterjee  presented  an extended solo in the rhythmic cycle of 16 beats (Teen Taal) and played a Variety of compositions such as Peshkar, Kayda, Rela, Chalan, Gat, Tukda, Paran and Laggi.
 After the concert, Chatterjee spoke to us in an interview:
 
Pooja Garg: I know you are from Lucknow Gharana. Could you please tell us more about it?
 Anindo Chatterjee: The Lucknow Gharana is famous for the kirar, riral and tukra. It is old and traditional.
 
PG:  What types of subjects do you most enjoy researching?
 AC: I only research the tabla, but have the knowledge of the sitar and vocals as well otherwise you cannot be a good accompanist.
 
PG: What types of subjects do you teach in your classes?
 AC: Students from India , America, and Europe come and learn from me for two to three months. I guide them, give them lessons and give them materials for the next seven to eights months. The locals come and learn from me weekly.
 
PG: How does it feel when you students get nationally and international attention?
 AC: I especially appreciate my foreign students as they are so dedicated and love of the rhythm of the table. They like to research the logic and style of the tabla which I would like to spread to all of my students. Some students that I would recognize are Erin Hansen (My agent) Ravi ( Toronto ), Dexter (Trinidad), Tony ( Florida ) and Anubrata, my son who also teaches tabla here in the USA .
 
 PG:  What should we do to keep classical music alive over rap, pop, and other music?
 AC: I convince rock musicians to fuse with the tabla as the rhythm in music is universal. I respect the mix of rock music and fusion, but only if it is done in a nice way and systematically. Not with 2 or 3 people just doing things with no system.

PG: Do you prefer playing solo or accompanying tabla?
 AC: I like playing solo, but I also accompany others by my vocals, instrumentally and dancing as well. So I would say I prefer both.
 
PG: What are some of your upcoming releases?
 AC: I have so many records and albums on YouTube so you should watch and research them. I have no upcoming releases, but do release albums when I am inspired to do so.

 

The author, Pooja Garg, is from Minneapolis. She is the Minnesota correspondent for the national newspaper, The India Post.

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