Visva Bharati vocalist and teacher Sandip Sen discusses Rabindranath Tagore’s music, Visva Bharati’s educational philosophy, and Rabindra Sangeet’s aesthetics. Sen recently performed at Riturang, a Tagore song celebration in Tripunithura, Ernakulam, jointly organised by the Neyyattinkara Vasudevan Foundation and Poornatyayeesha Sangeetha Sabha with fellow artists.
How were you introduced to Rabindra Sangeet, and what drew you to Visva-Bharati University?
I was introduced to Rabindra Sangeet at the age of nine. The emotional depth of Tagore’s music resonated with me in ways I hadn’t imagined. I grew up with his songs around me, but it wasn’t until I started understanding the meaning behind the lyrics that I truly connected with them. Visva Bharati was a natural place for me to gravitate towards his philosophy. His presence is palpable in every corner—through music, dance, theatre, and academic life. It’s as if Tagore seeps into your being without effort. That is the magic of Santiniketan.
Tagore’s lyrics are known for their profound emotional and philosophical depth. How do you approach teaching Rabindra Sangeet to your students?
I always tell my students that understanding Tagore’s lyrics is just as important as singing them. His songs explore every human emotion—love, devotion, nature, spirituality, even humour. Tagore had this unique ability to capture the essence of life and express it through his music. The themes in his compositions range from romanticism and nature to deep spirituality. He wasn’t merely creating melodies; he was using music as a vehicle for philosophical thought. My approach is to encourage students to immerse themselves in the meaning, to feel the song before they sing it.
What would you say sets Rabindra Sangeet apart from other classical music traditions?
Rabindra Sangeet is often described as a genre in itself, distinct from Indian classical music but deeply influenced by it. Tagore was inspired by many musical traditions—Indian ragas, Western classical music and Bengali folk tunes. His compositions reflect this fusion. One of the most remarkable aspects of his work is how the lyrics and the music are always in sync. Before Tagore, Bengali music often had a disconnect between melody and meaning. He brought them together seamlessly. For example, if the lyrics speak of morning, the raga is also set to evoke morning. That balance was rare earlier, and it’s one of the things that makes Rabindra Sangeet so special.
How did Tagore’s exposure to different cultures influence his music?
Tagore was incredibly open to different influences. He travelled extensively, from Europe to Southeast Asia, and everywhere he went, he absorbed what was around him. His exposure to Western classical music, for instance, led him to write pieces like Valmiki Pratibha, which was shaped by European musical forms. Similarly, South Indian ragas left a significant mark on his compositions, such as in the song Labanya Purno, which is influenced by Carnatic music. Wherever he found beauty, he imbibed it and incorporated it into Rabindra Sangeet.
Can you talk about the spiritual elements in Rabindra Sangeet? How does Tagore express his philosophy through music?
Spirituality is a central theme in Rabindra Sangeet. Tagore’s philosophy was deeply rooted in the idea of a universal, formless God. He conveyed this through his music, though interestingly, he referenced various deities from different traditions. For instance, in songs like Nataraj, he invokes the dance of Shiva, but the focus is always on the larger, abstract idea of divinity rather than specific religious iconography. His lyrics reflect a universal spirituality, drawing from his interactions with religious leaders, philosophers, and his own contemplative journey.
How distinctive is Rabindra Nritya?
Rabindra Nritya is a fascinating blend of many dance traditions. Initially influenced by Manipuri, it later incorporated elements from Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and even Javanese dance forms, which Tagore encountered during his travels. The costumes used in this dance form are adaptable and can be changed according to the character or song being portrayed. What makes his dance form distinctive is its simplicity. He didn’t believe in excessive ornamentation or grand gestures. Tagore’s dance form embraced cross-cultural elements, and his exposure to Western dance during his stay in England which had a significant impact on his style. Over-arching physical gestures, prevalent in other dance forms, were avoided in Tagore’s dances, and there was a preference for fluidity in all compositions.
In modern times, how do you see Rabindra Sangeet evolving, and what role does it play today?
Rabindra Sangeet has become a mainstream genre of music today, cherished by all—from scholars to those without formal education. Its appeal lies in its accessibility. There are more than 2500 songs which Tagore himself has notated so that they are preserved. Whether you are literate or not, you can connect with the emotion in Tagore’s songs. Although it remains distinct from classical music, its foundations in Indian ragas give it a certain gravitas. It’s a genre that continues to grow and evolve while remaining true to its core values of beauty, emotion, and philosophy. The essence of Tagore’s music is that it speaks to the human experience in all its forms. Whether it’s love, loss, nature, or spirituality, his songs capture the subtleties of life in a way that is universal. His ability to fuse music and poetry, melody and meaning, is what makes his compositions timeless. And that’s why they continue to resonate, not just in Bengal but across the world.
Photo: Sreejith Kodoth
