Harmonies in Time is a relationship between a soloist player (Gurtu) as an individual, and the tribe (the orchestra). “It researches different time forms, prehistory in music,” says Daskal over an e-mail interview, “It translates Indian kaida compositions written for the human voice and the tabla into orchestral instruments. It contains complex polyrhythmic [simultaneous combination of two contrasting rhythms] sequences, electro-acoustic textures, and vast soundscapes.” 

The orchestra owes Gurtu the addition of live composition to their repertoire. “When we started our collaboration in 2017,” continues Daskal, “it was clear to me that aside from the written notation scores, we must be able to interact through improvisation with Trilok, since he is such an improvisation master.” Adds Gurtu, “Improvisation is our Indian culture and heritage; It’s not anything new. And, I always use percussion in context. 

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I can introduce an aarti or a bhajan while doing sounds or even electronic music. I am not limited or bound by anybody. I use sounds that I like and will play whatever is there in front of me. I am not limited to instruments, I will even use my voice. I have created drums, percussion instruments, and used water buckets—all five elements are used.” Gurtu, who is based in Germany, feels most Indians don’t know him. “I’m grateful that I can play for the people of my country and I hope that they like this new experience,” he says. “That will make me feel like returning and playing more.”

WHAT: Harmonies in Time
WHEN: February 9, 7.30 PM onwards
WHERE: Tata Theatre, NCPA
PRICE: Rs 944 onwards to book: ncpamumbai.com