NCPA Citi Nad Ninad: From Our Archives

Listening Session on the Artistry of Siddheshwari Devi
Guided by Shubha Mudgal

An NCPA Presentation

Supported by Citi

This event makes available to lovers of Indian music some of the priceless archival recordings of the great masters from the archives of NCPA.

Trained by stalwarts like Siyaji Maharaj, Rajab Ali Khan of Dewas, Inayat Khan of Lahore, and Bade Ramdas, Siddheshwari Devi (1908-1977) was one of the most iconic representatives of the Poorab ang thumri. She brought a profound aesthetic vision that combined virtuosic skill and expression to perfection. Her recorded music, therefore, serves as a case study for students of music and of thumri, in particular, to explore the scope of the form. Described as ranging from “the sensuous to the sublime”, her music illustrates not only this expanse of emotions, but also provides insights into the discipline, training and consummate artistry that thumri demands. Even her eminent contemporaries like M. S. Subbulakshmi and Kesarbai Kerkar openly admired her singing prowess.

A renowned vocalist and composer, Shubha Mudgal has an eclectic approach to music. In addition to khayal and thumri, she has experimented with pop and fusion music. As an accomplished composer, her body of work covers rare texts from Sufiana poetry and compositions of several Indian poets.

The session will feature select excerpts of Siddheshwari Devi’s renditions of well-known thumris, dadras and other allied forms.

Entry free on a first-come-first-served basis.