From Udra To Odishi - A Grammatical Overview of Odishi Music  (Paperback, Sangita Panda)

This book, first of its kind, presents a comprehensive account of Odishi music, ranging from history and evolution to the practical aspects such as ragas, talas and gamakas, allowing wider audiences to appreciate the finer nuances of this system of music. In doing so, the author establishes beyond doubt the independent nature of this third stream of Indian classical music. The book serves as an excellent introduction to the rich tradition as well as distinctive technique of Odishi music, for both students and scholars alike. One of the leading Odishi vocalists of the present era, Vid. Sangita Panda is the daughter and disciple of Pt. Gopal Chandra Panda, who is internationally renowned both as a musician and a musicologist. Groomed under the able guidance of Pt. Panda in the lineage of the Puri doyen Pt. Singhari Shyamsundar Kar, she has carved a niche for herself by presenting aesthetically appealing recitals of popular as well as rare traditional ragas of Odishi classical music, striving to revive lost compositions from endangerment following the footsteps of her father. From the first throw of the voice one marks the distinct, authentic style of Pt. Gopal Panda ; in her the veteran Guru's musical legacy lives on. She is equally at ease when performing Hindustani classical music. At present, as managing trustee of GGPO Academy, an apex institute for nurturing young talents into classical music, she trains young students, continues her research and organises national-level festivals ; a life devoted to the service of music, true to her name.