Aesthetics , Art and Sensitivity

The title seems a bit heavy but the content of this blog is rather a simple though a sensitive issue !! PadmaVibhushan , Dadasaheb Phalke awardee , one of India's musical maestros, Asha Bhonsle who has mastered every genre of Bollywood music once said , that every cabaret song that she sings is like a BHAJAN for her !! Her statement has profound connotations !! Every song is a combination of harmonious melody , lyrical expression of thoughtfully coined eloquent lyrics and a representation of the spirit and mood of the one who is articulating it , generally in Films it is the actor. The role of the artist who is actually singing the song is crucial as he or she has to literally get involved in the character , the scene of the film and definitely the mood of the song .The artist without being in the limelight has to emote effectively for the character who is lipsinging the song.....be it a romantic number, a dance number , a cabaret or a devotional song ! Without the befitting emotional and theatrical expressions the singer will not be able to do justice to a song. Thus to judge a singer and his personality or character by the type of songs or genre of songs taken up is unwise! It is absurd and preposterous to consider their image to be tarnished or in any way maligned on the basis of their song selection. Music is a pure form of art and aesthetics which needs keen auditory sensitivity to be enjoyed !! Mundane , worldly complexes and image- consciousness interferes in assessing or appreciating music. An artist , a singer needs high energy levels , a zealous spirit, grit , hard work , dedication , commitment...and certainly has to invest a considerable amount of time to achieve some level of perfection. Once this happens the singer flows with the musical composition and is totally absorbed and fully immersed in the composition ...it is then that the composer gets his full reward for the song comes out from the heart of the artist and it becomes soulful singing ! Getting the right tune and tone , the scale and pitch , the twists and turns ,intonation, voice modulations , the voice throw and control are all integral facets of good singing but all is in vain if it is not a spontaneous outpouring from the heart ! I marvel and admire the talented music composers who wondrously create such soulful hearttouching compositions that touch the very core of one's inner self ...I feel they are the ones who are supremely Blessed. The artists who have to execute and reproduce the compositions have a grave responsibility for their rendition can make or mar a composition . Without going into the depths of the song the singer cannot do full justice for which he/,she has to come out of his shell , shed his / her inhibitions and articulate with all the theatrics required . To appreciate this requires pronounced aesthetic and artistic sensitivity and sensibilities!! Only then can music enchant and enthrall !!