Archives: Zakir Hussain interview – ‘What do I bring to the tabla? Openness and clarity’
The maestro died at the age of 73. In a book by Nasreen Munni Kabir, he spoke about his childhood and music.
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Nasreen Munni Kabir: Zakir, thanks for making time for our book. Can we start today by talking about musical instruments? How long does it take to get accustomed to, say, a new tabla?
Zakir Hussain: In the world of music, and especially when it comes to traditional music, haste is not a good idea. You need time to build a relationship with your instrument. The instrument’s spirit has to react and then things happen. You don’t just buy a new sitar today, get on to the stage tomorrow and start playing it. The sitar must come into its own. You have to play it for some months before you feel comfortable – ok, now I can play it on stage.
What do I bring to the tabla? I think it is openness and clarity, and that is what we bring to the audience. What I present must make sense, whether that involves a heart-to-heart interaction between musical instrument and musician, or zero hesitancy in the thought process, or not worrying about the parameters – your musical statement must be created with as much clarity as possible.
I am reminded of a lovely incident. Kishan Maharajji was about to go on stage when someone said: ‘Maharajji, have a...
