RANJANI - GAYATRI

Classical Vocal Art from South India

The Karnatak sangita, or Carnatic music from South India, is strongly focused on content, much more so than its North Indian counterpart. Call it aesthetics versus precision. Music in the temples continues to play an important role as a connection to the divine. It’s therefore no surprise that concerts typically revolve around hymns or devotional songs – dedicated to the Hindu gods. Everything is embedded in classical patterns and fixed structures with a precise rhythm.

Today, that Carnatic tradition is proudly represented by the sisters Ranjani and Gayatri. As a vocal duo, they embody perfection in sruti (pitch), powerful vocal control, rich imagination, and impeccable aesthetics. Timeless values that reflect a similarly timeless classical repertoire, without sacrificing innovation. They are especially moving with their soul-stirring devotional Hindu songs. In a breathtakingly dynamic manner, the sisters' voices engage in dialogue with delicate interweaving, known in Indian music as jugalbandi (literally: intertwined twins).

During their recital in Ghent, the sisters are accompanied melodically by violin (held between foot and chest), and rhythmically by mridangam (a barrel-shaped double-headed drum) and ghatam (a clay pot). The tanpura (a fretless long-necked lute) provides a humming and rustling sonic backdrop – an ideal foundation for the singing voice.

A concert at De Bijloke, in co-production with De Centrale.