An instant occurence! Didnt plan on playing a bollywood song on the Sarod, but, here it is!

Tum Hi Ho - On the Sarod - by Abhishek Borkar

Abhishek Borkar (Sarod) - Raag Kaunsi Kanada - Part 1 (Alaap)

Here is a little experiment! We have played here, a murchana. With the Surtarang tuned to G, and the Sarod tuned to C, we have played two different raagas, simultaneously, namely, Kaunsi Kanada and Bhimpalasi, respectively, creating a unique synchronization. 

The Surtarang is a new instrument, conceptualized by Pt, Shekhar Borkar, creating a unique sound, which is a combination of the lute, sarod and surbahar.

Pt. Shekhar Borkar and Abhishek Borkar - Murchana (Surtarang and Sarod)

A clip from a small baithak in Pune. Raag Jhinjhoti - Vilambit Teentaal. Maheshraj Salunke on Tabla.

Raag Jhinjhoti (Live)

Raga Marwa

Raga Maalika performed at a house concert in 2015. Sagar Patokar on tabla.

Raag Maalika (Live)

Abhishek Borkar - Bageshri Alap Live.mp3

Pt. Shekhar Borkar - Raga Kaushi Kannada

A rendition of John  McLaughlin's beautiful Lotus Feet, on the Sarod, by Abhishek Borkar.

Lotus Feet - on Sarod - by Abhishek Borkar

Eminent Sarod exponent Pt. Shekhar Borkar, rendered these melodies in humble obeisance to Lord Shiva. This has been executed on the "Surtarang". A newly innovated musical instrument conceptualized by him. This instrument is a combination of the Sarod and the Veena.
This rendition is done in the typical dhrupad-ang alaap. The sound is akin to the rudra-veena, and partially the vichitra-veena. To know more about the instrument, log onto http://www.shekharborkar.com/

Pt. Shekhar Borkar - Raga Nat Bhairav - On the Surtarang

Pt. Shekhar Borkar - Raga Bairagi - On the Surtarang

Pt. Shekhar Borkar - Raga Shivaranjani - On the Surtarang

Pt. Shekhar Borkar - Raga Shankara - On the Surtarang

Abhishek Borkar, a young and versatile musician, was drawn to the sound of the sarod from a very early age. Born into a musically rich environment, in Pune, he initially underwent training in vocal and tabla, at age 4, before anchoring himself on the sarod, under the tutelage of his father and Guru Pt. Shekhar Borkar, under the Maihar Senia Gharana. 

Rigourous and intensive training followed. At the age of ten, he presented his first concert for which young Abhishek was lauded for his erudite performance by many connoisseurs of music. Many accolades and awards followed. He was awarded a National Talent scholarship instituted by the C.C.R.T (Government of India) and was subsequently specially invited to participate in many of their camps for outstanding young scholars. He won many music competitions in and around Maharashtra. Under the ‘Balodhyan’ initiative, he presented many memorable programmes for the All India Radio. He released his first solo CD titled ‘Pratibha’ in 2008, at the age of 16.

Following the footsteps of his father, today, Abhishek’s renditions are characterized by a unique blend of the sarod, sitar, sarangi and vocal styles of Hindustani Music. His natural instinct for aesthetic music coupled with his incredible control over sur and laya have enthralled audiences in various parts of India. Duet performances with his older brother Praashekh have also received critical acclaim. The melody in Abhishek’s music exhibits the influence of his idols, Ustad Allauddin Khan, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and of course his father, Pt. Shekhar Borkar and the intricate layakari, the guidance of Pt. Shashi Bellare. Equally adept at playing the guitar coupled with his knowledge of western music and instrumentation led young Abhishek foray into the field of Classical fusion. Keeping the style of playing the sarod intact, he composes tunes with a classical twist, with which he aims to make Indian Classical Music more reachable to the generation today. 

A Commerce graduate, Abhishek aims to pursue his masters in Indian Music. In the coming decades, Abhishek aims to carry the beacon of Indian music and take the magnum opus of his father Pt. Shekhar Borkar – the creation of ‘Tarankaar Baaz’ and the ‘Sur-tarang’ to the world. In his words, ‘the limitations of the sarod can be surpassed because music comes from the heart, and the heart never ceases to sing’. 

Abhishek Borkar

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