Search - Chitti Babu :: Art of Vina 2

One who knows....the art

mvks | India | 12/23/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The words "CHITTI means in south indian language 'small' which is normally referred to kids between ages 1 and 6 or so and BABU represents a boy". Incidently it very apt for CHITTI BABU who touched the Instrument VEENA (This spelling is more apt than VINA) at age 6 and gave his first concert around age 11. Having met and heard this genious, the fingers and mind only think, act and spell only the instrument Veena! He is revoultionist with the instrument and first time went of traditions to play western music with the age old instrument. Chitti babu is famous for the speed and precision. Many Kirtanas (compositions) which are played for the thala (rythym), chitti babu can play at amazing speed which are very difficult. Most of the compositions by him have the typical south indian "spice" in his music which unfortunately can be understood only by the people who knows the music (it took 5 years of learning to know the spice of his music for me). Last but not least, one pluck of the string of chitti babu's veena (he never allowed anybody to touch the same) one can identify from miles that it belongs to chitti babu. The sound is that characteristic and every note has his signature. Try listen to one of his compositions, kommalloo koyala ( a cuckoo in the branches ) where he literally makes the veena sing like a cuckoo..Now one should know why his parents chose the name CHITTI BABU a forever young musician who like to play, experiment like a kid with his new toy."