Thematic Compositions and Theme based programmes by Dr. Kumar Gandharva

Pt. Kumar Gandharva is major artist in North Indian Classical Music, well known for his impactful singing and intellectual renditions.He was the pioneer in presenting thematic concerts in the field of Hindusthani classical vocal music (Page No. 83, Bahulekar Shilpa, "Kumar Gandharva: Ek Srijan Yatra") in the middle of 20 th century. Research ObjectiveTo study and present the nature and purpose of thematic compositions and concerts of Pt.Kumar Gandharva. Research ScopeThis study confines itself into the time period between 1952 to 1985, when Pt. Kumar Gandharva presented his thematic concerts.The objective is to analyze the concerts and composition based on themes. MethodologyThe research methodology used in this paper is mainly descriptive, moreover analytical method is also used to study thematic compositions. CoreBorn on 8 th April 2024 at a remote town Sulebhavi in Belgaon district, Karnataka, Pt Kumar Gandharva was a child prodigy.His father and elder brothers were singers already, but as a child Kumarji didn't sing till he was seven.One day he suddenly started singing a song by Bal Gandharva, 'Tat kari duhita vinasha' (Meaning: Father intends to devastate her girl child).His original name was Shivaputra Siddharamayya Komkalimath, and a Gurukal Mathaswami (Their family mentor) conferred the title "Kumar Gandharva" upon him, after listening to his music.As his singing was extra ordinary, his father Mr. Sidhharamayya formed a group of accompanists and started stating his concerts at different cities throughout Northern India.It