Gen-Y has no ears for classical music
Learning a classical song is a tough task and few people want to take it up or remain confined to it. It is the money factor that���s important for most musicians because these days classical singers remain confined to charitable shows and concerts
HIP-HOP, rock, jazz may be far more catchy but wonder what happened to our good old classical music that India always took pride in. And even as Bollywood continues to churn out those grooving tracks that rule the charts, the youth seem to be moving away from what we call Indian music. Let us explore if classical Indian music is losing its sheen and what do big wigs in this field have to say on this.
“No doubt classical music is losing its identity,” states music composer Jatin Pandit, music director of movies like ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. “And that’s more because both producers and directors are not willing to give their songs that classical touch even if the movie is based on an epic. But I definitely believe that it’s the classical ‘ragas’ that form the foundation of every good song. But you can’t deny the fact that it is becoming difficult to retain the classical touch with increasing demand for remixes and westernised tracks.”
So what exactly has lead to the decline of the classical music? “See, learning a pure classical song is a tough task and few people want to take that up or remain confined to it. Secondly, it is the money factor that’s considered by the people wanting to pursue it full time. That’s because these days classical singers remain mostly confined to doing concerts and charitable shows,” adds Jatin.
Wonder, if there is a way out! “Nothing much can be done. When international tracks are being more liked by the audience, it’s tough to retain the essence of classical music. People’s choice and taste are changing with time and things can’t be forced on them. Besides, people hardly have any knowledge about classical music,” feels music director Uttam Singh.
However, singer Shreya Goshal feels it’s more to do with lack of response that has changed the authenticity of classical music. She adds, “It’s sad that classical music is getting lost. And definitely, remixed tracks and lack of awareness among the youth has paved the way for losing such a treasure.”
However, she also makes a point saying, “But we still can’t say that we have lost classical music and its lovers completely. Though it’s on a decline, we still get to hear those songs which have a classical touch to them.”
And though others may feel or get apprehensive about the classical music, noted classical singer Pt Jasraj says, “We have a strong culture and classic music forms the base of it. Many may not feel it’s purity but it’s foundation is so strong that entry of any kind of music cannot shake its base.”
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