WIP Sharing | Dhrupad x Ableton

About the session:

A sound immersion evolving from a pilot project by Sahitya and Harsh integrating an amalgamation of vocals inspired by the practice of Dhrupad, a live set on Ableton Live for synthesizing elemental soundscapes and acoustic instruments used in Sound work.

Dhrupad

Dhrupad is a form of Indian Classical music known for its intricate and expressive structure and meditative quality. A key feature in our exploration is the emphasis on ‘Alaap’ in the practice of Dhrupad, which gradually unfolds the emotion and builds up the intensity and expressiveness of the raag. The use of deep, resonant vocal techniques that produce a powerful and earthy sound will further be emphasized by drone accompaniments and live evolving soundscapes produced using Ableton.

Ableton and 5-elements

The pulsating drones and soundscapes are built around an elemental structure inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and Panchamahabhutas from Ayurveda. The five elements of Space (Ether), Wind, Fire, Water and Earth are associated with different perceptive qualities and senses making them a rich symbolic language to integrate the sounds of Dhrupad in the sonic environment.

Why this session

With the gradual unfolding of the soundscapes and melodic patterns, we invite the participants to absorb the plethora of sounds to embark upon an experiential journey to dive into states of deep relaxation, tranquility or even the release of negative emotions. We are eager to bring the depth and beauty of the frequencies and vibrations to bring balance and harmony within the inner self.

About the facilitators :

Sahitya is a student of Dhrupad with Ustad F. Wasifuddin Dagar. She is a graduate of Music Therapy and has further explored the work of sound at Svaram Sound Experience, Auroville under their Integral Sonic Studies Program. With a diverse background in music including Indian and Western Classical music in the form of Dhrupad and the Piano, she is keen to explore the modalities of healing nature of sound and music.

Harsh is a Math teacher and a Physics student who is studying sound and researching in the field of cymatics at Svaram Sound Experience in Auroville. He is interested in designing and synthesizing sound electronically using Ableton and visually representing sound through his research in cymatics. He is a graduate of the integral sonic sound practices programme at Svaram and has been a facilitator for many sound baths and sound journeys.