About Dr. Chaitanya Kunte

Dr. Keshavchaitanya J. Kunte, popularly known in the field of Music as Chaitanya Kunte, is a multi-dimensioned personality, who has received great appreciation as a Composer, Scholar and Harmonium player.

Chaitanya has received extensive training in Hindustani music under able guidance of his Guru Dr. Arawind Thatte. He has also benefitted by the valuable guidance by Pt. Mohanrao Karve for vocal music and Dr. Ashok Da. Ranade for Ethnomusicology. Additionally, Chaitanya has enriched his knowledge of music & musicology in acquaintance of many maestros & scholars such as Pt. Balasaheb Puchhawale, Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, Pt. Vasantrao Rajurkar, Pt. Sharad Sathe and NrityaPandita Rohini Bhate.

 

As a Harmonium player:

Chaitanya is a leading Harmonium player having accompanied stalwarts in Hindustani Art music such as Bharat-Ratna Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Gaan-Prabha Dr. Prabha Atre, Gaan-Saraswati Kishori Amonkar, Kathak-Samrat Pt. Birju Maharaj, NrityaPanditaa Rohini Bhate, Pt. Dinkar Kaikini, Pt. Balasaheb Punchhawale, Pt. Yashwantbuwa Joshi, Pt. Ramashrey Jha, Pt. L. K. Pandit, Vidushi Vasundhara Komkali, Pt. Channulal Mishra, Pt. T D Janorikar, and leading artistes such as Pt. Rajan Sajan Mishra, Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Ust. Rashid Khan, Smt. Shruti Sadolikar, Smt. Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Smt. Padma Talawalkar, Dr. Ashwini Bhide – Deshpande, Smt. Arati Ankalikar – Tikekar, Pt. Prabhakar Karekar, Pt. Rajshekhar Mansoor, Pt. Ajay Pohankar, Pt. Vijay Sardeshmukh, Pt. Satyasheel Deshpande, Pt. Vijay Baxi, Dr. Suhasini Koratkar and many other popular & upcoming artists.

His accompaniment is marked with perfection and accuracy, yet it is aesthetically enriching with a deep understanding of the vocalist’s style and music in totality. Chaitanya always uses an accurately tuned Harmonium to natural Shruti-s matching with Tanpura, which he tunes himself. His tuneful accompaniment stimulates the musical thoughts process of the vocalists. A graded artiste for All India Radio, he has participated in recordings for AIR. Chaitanya have accompanied many vocalists for several commercial recordings.

Chaitanya has toured in USA (2005, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015), Singapore, Australia and New Zealand (2005 and 2008), Dubai (2004) and Tokyo, Japan (2016) for concerts, where he was appreciated for his accompaniment, solo Harmonium playing and lecture demonstrations.

Besides being a busy and popular Harmonium accompanist, Chaitanya Kunte is taking huge efforts for Solo Harmonium recitals and continuing the mission lead down by his Guru, Dr. Arawind Thatte for establishing concert-status to Harmonium in Hindustani music scenario. Chaitanya has given Solo Harmonium performances in India as well as abroad.

For his contribution for Harmonium, he was honored with ‘Pt. Govindrao Patwardhan Award for Excellence in Harmonium’in 2007. He has achieved ‘Sangeet Alankar’ degree from Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalay Mandal with scoring first rank with Bendre Award.

 

Composer:

In the world of Hindustani Art Music, having created a niche for him as a young composer, Chaitanya’s compositions cover a wide range of genre such as Khayal, Tappa, Tarana, Chataranga, Saadra, Saragam-geet, Thumari, Dadra, Bhajan etc. He has been awarded with ‘Keshavrao Bhole Sangeetkaar Puraskaar’ (2009) for his contribution as composer.

Chaitanya have composed a corpus of more than 400 Bandishes in variety of common as well as uncommon Raagas and Taalas. For Chaitanya, his Bandishes are the creations evolved from the serious study of the tradition, incorporating its diverse aspects, by which he tries to keep the tradition flowing!

‘Suran Gaao Saras’, ‘Samprati’, ‘Praat Samaye’, ‘Soor Chaitanya’ are some of the concerts of his own Bandishes in Hindustani Art Music. Maestros such as Arati Anklikar, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, Shounak Abhisheki, Kalpana Zokarkar, and Anuradha Kuber, Rahul Deshpande, Pushkar Lele, Raghunandan Panshikar, Manjusha Patil, Ranjani Ramchandran, Saniya Patankar, Sameer and Prachi Dublay, etc. take pleasure in singing his Bandish-s in their concerts.

Music for Dance choreographies –

Chaitanya has brilliantly composed music for Kathak dance and choreographies, such as ‘Rituchakra’, ‘Vasudhatmika’, ‘Amoorta’, ‘Krishna Leela Keertan’; Oddissi dance ballet ‘Shaakuntal’and Bharat-Natyam dance ballets,‘Parijatak’, ‘Chanda Patni’, ‘Wyatha Bolate Kawya Chirantan’, ‘Nritya Sanchit’, ‘Parashuraam-Vijayam’, ‘Panchatattwamritam’. His compositions of Chatarang, Saragam, Bhajans, etc. are choreographed and performed by various Kathak and BharatNatyam dancers. ‘Srujan-Prawaah’ is an exclusive performance of Chaitanya’s compositions for Kathak dance.

Music for Sanskrit literature –

Chaitanya has scored music for several musicals in Sanskrit literature including ‘Geet-Govindam’ (Ashtapadi-s of Kavi Jaydeva), Kalidas’s ‘Meghadootam’, and Sanskrit Stotras of Shankaracharya, Wallabhacharya, Ramanujacharya, etc.

Music for films & dramas–

Chaitanya has successfully scored background music for Marathi dramas ‘Sangeet Kulawadhu’, ‘Bali’, title song for Television serial ‘Tapasya’, many serials for Akashavani (All India Radio) such as ‘Prakrut Sarita’, ‘Upanishadannche Antaranga’, Documentary Film ‘African Safari’, ‘Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram’.

 

Marathi Bhaaw-Sangeet by Chaitanya Kunte:

Chaitanya has creatively contributed for Marathi music especially by his compositions in Thumari -Dadra genre in Marathi Language; along with variety of compositions such as Abhang-Bhajan, Lawani, Bhaaw-geet, and Ghazal.

1. ‘Saaj Thumaricha’– It was a unique experiment with semi-classical music like Thumari, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Jhula, etc.in Marathi poetry by Pramod Kale, which is otherwise usually presented in dialects of Hindi. Anuradha Marathe and Anuradha Kuber perform in this concert with adding their own flavor while rendering these Thumari compositions.
2. ‘Sant-Swar-Wel’– This concert presents compositions of Marathi Saint-poets from 11^th century to 17^th century in different genres of music as well as types of poetry.
3. ‘RamadasPadawali’ – In this concert, Chaitanya composed rich philosophical poetry of medieval Marathi saint poet Ramadas.
4. ‘ManarangacheAabhal’– This was another example of his fine composership in which Chaitanya has set music to the poems of great Marathi poets such as ShantaShelke, MangeshPadgaonkar, Kusumagraj, Indira Sant, VindaKarandikar, N. D. Mahanor, etc. which were sung by leading singers like AnuradhaMarathe, AnuradhaKuber, Prajakta Joshi and Hrishikesh Ranade.
5. ‘Keshavasut’– For this concert, pioneer Marathi poet Keshavasut’s poems were set to tune by Chaitanya, sung by MadhuriPurandare and Chandrakant Kale.
6. ‘OnjalitSwarTuzech’– This is a dramatic presentation of life and literature of GyaanPeeth award winner famous Marathi poet VindaKarandikar in which Chaitanya has scored music to Vinda’s poems.
7. ‘EkaKawiteSaathi’– Marathi poems of ValayMulgund composed by Chaitanya Kunte.

 

 

 

Scholar & Guru:

After attaining degrees, M.A. in Indology and History and an M. Phil. in Archaeology, also SangeetAlankar (AkhilBharatiyaGandharvaMahavidyalay Mandal, Miraj) in Music, Chaitanya have received fellowship for his research on ‘TappaGayaki’ from Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. His research work on “Tappa” has been admired by many musicologists that have given him recognition as a musicologist. Chaitanya has presented a 13 episode serial “TappaGayaki” on AIR Pune which got applause from many veteran musicians and listeners. Many of his research articles are published in journals & newspapers. Chaitanya Kunte is currently undergoing research work on ‘Music at the places of prayer in urban Pune: An Ethnomusicological study’ for Ph.D.

Chaitanya Kunte has worked as a Guest Editor for following publications –

1. ‘Chhandowati’ – A souvenir on the occasion of 60^th anniversary of veteran vocalist Smt. MaliniRajurkar. (2001)
2. ‘PunyaSwar 2009’ – A special issue on ‘Music Culture in Pune’ which was published on 10^th anniversary of Bhimsen Joshi Chair in University of Pune.
3. ‘PunyaSwar 2011’ – A special issue on ‘Bandish’ which was published by Lalit Kala Kendra Gurukul and Bhimsen Joshi Chair, University of Pune.
4. ‘Swar-Smriti’ – A memoir of Pt. Mohanrao Karve, depicting his life and music. (2011)
5. “Marmajnya: Dr Ashok Da Ranade Commemorative volume” (Dec. 2012).
6. ‘PunyaSwar 2012’ – A special issue on ‘Agra Gharana’ which was published by Lalit Kala Kendra Gurukul and Bhimsen Joshi Chair, University of Pune.
7. ‘CharitraKosh – SangeetKhand’ – An encyclopedia of prominent personalities in the field of music in last century Maharashtra (2013).
8. ‘SangeetSangatee’ – A book of Dr. Ashok Da. Ranade’s articles (2014, RajhansPrakashan, Pune)

 

Besides hectic performance schedule, Chaitanya is working as a Guru and visiting lecturer at Lalit Kala Kendra(Centre For Performing Arts), Pune University since last 15 years. He has also given special lectures at music departments of SNDT, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth.

Chaitanya is a head of music section at Maharashtra Cultural Centre, Pune and he is successfully conducting “SudarshanSangeet Sabha”, an academic activity since 2011. Chaitanya is a founder director of ‘Dr. Ashok Da Ranade Archives’ where the archival material is preserved. He is a trustee of “SwarGanga Music Foundation” in Atlanta, USA and Thane, India and he is a creative adviser to www.swarganga.com – an online encyclopedia of Hindustani Art Music.  He has conducted practical training workshops and “Music Appreciation” course for students in India & abroad.

 

Chaitanya Kunte was awarded with first ‘VasantotsavPuraskar’ by Dr. VasantraoDeshpande Foundation for his contribution as a creative musician and researcher in January 2011.He is awarded with ‘Di. Go. DatarPuraskar’ (2015) instituted by Pune Bharat Gayan Samaj, for contribution in music education.

 

Thematic concerts by Chaitanya Kunte:

Chaitanya has presented many theme concerts with crafting of elaborate scripts after research of traditional and contemporary compositions, such as –

• ‘Megh-Rang’– A concert on the theme of rainy season, which included depiction of various shades of rain and human emotions related to that expressed in not only ‘Malhar’ raga but also in other ragas and forms.
• ‘Basant-Rang’– A concert depicting the beauty of spring season with other traditional festivals like Hori, Rama-janma.
• ‘Ritu-Chakra’– In this concert, Chaitanya has imbibed various aspects of rich classical and folk melodies, which celebrate the rich seasonal cycle in Indian context, which were presented by AnuradhaKuber, RaghunandanPanshikar and Rahul Deshpande.
• ‘Nayikaa-Bhaav-Tarang’- In this concert, Chaitanya explained the traditional poetic classification of ‘Nayikaa’- named as ‘Ashta-Nayikaa’ depicted through Bandishes performed by RaghunandanPanshikar and AnuradhaKuber.
• ‘Laya SarasGaan’ – In this concert designed and conceptualized by Chaitanya, famous vocalist Arati Anklikar-Tikekar presented some Bandish-s having unusual but beautiful rhythmic patterns. She also sang Bandish-s in ‘ArdhaMatra Taal-s’ such as Neel Taal (7 and 1/2) and Sunand Taal (9 and 1/2)
• ‘Bhairavi Darshan’– A concert unfolding facets of Raag Bhairavi with presenting compositions such as Raag-Dhyan, Lakshangeet, Saragam, Dhrupad, Khayal, Bandish, BandhiThumari, Tarana, Tappa, Thumari, Dadra and Bhajan. Well known vocalists such as ShounakAbhisheki and Dr. AshwiniBhide – Deshpande has sung in this concert.
• ‘Marathi Geet-Thewaa’ – A special concert of traditional folk songs of Mararashtra, depicting the living culture and ideology.
• ‘Gunjan’ – A special concert designed for propagation of Hindustani music amongst new generation in which all performers were of young tender age.
• ‘KalidasWilas’ – A concert based on Sanskrit literature of Kalidas with special dance ballets on ‘Meghadootam’ and ‘RituSamhaaram’.
• ‘Kumar GandharvaDarshan’ & ‘Kumar Raga Vilas’ – Chaitanya has scripted the both programs, showcasing Pt. Kumar Gandharva’s musical genius.
• ‘Pravahee’ – This is a theme concert depicting history of Hindustani music from the period of SamVeda till date, handling major genres such as SamGayan, Jaati, Prabandha, Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumari, Tappa, NatyaGeet and fusion.
• ‘TappaGayaki – EkAwalokan’ – This is a lec-dem in which Chaitanya demonstrates the history, varieties and nuances of TappaGayaki with vocal performance along with the sound clips of veteran artists.

 

 

Published CD/DVDs

There are many commercial albums to the credit of Chaitanya Kunte as a composer, such as –

1. “SrujanPratham”: A CD containing KhayalBandish-s of Chaitanya Kunte in Ragas Multani, Gauri, Bhinna-Shadja, Mishra Kafi and Sindh Bhairavi, sung by AnuradhaKuber.
2. “Tappe Di Bahar”: Chaitanya Kunte’sTappa genre Bandish-s such as Tappa-AngKhayal (Tap-Khayal) in Bihag, Tappa-Tarana in Khamaj, Tappa-Thumri in Mishra Kafi, Tappa-Hori in Gara are sung by PushkarLele in this CD.
3. “SmaranTarang”: An Album of Marathi Bandish-s of Chaitanya Kunte (along with maestros such as Kumar Gandharva, Arolkarbua, Dr Ashok Ranade) sung by PushkarLele.
4. “Prawahee”: This video DVD that depicts the history of Indian music and dance from Vedic times till today with demonstrations of Saam-Sangeet, Jaati-gayan, Dhrupad, Khayal, Thumri, etc.
5. “BhajGovindam”: This is an audio CD supported with a book that comments on ‘CharpatPanjarika’, AdiShankaracharya’s famous Sanskrit Stotra, which is sung by DrAshwiniBhideDeshpande&RaghunandanPanshikar.
6. “Akash-Mogara”: Poetry of VijayaJahagirdar, sung by AnuradhaMarathe, AnuradhaKuber&RavindraSathe.
7. “Kuhu”: This is first of its kind ‘Multimedia Novel’ in India, written by famous Marathi author KavitaMahajan and Chaitanya has scored music to songs with Arati Anklikar – Tikekar & also given background music.

 

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