My Pursuit of Music

Book Details

• Author: Govindrao Tembe
• Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan
• Language: English
• Edition: 2014
• ISBN: 9788172765088
• Pages: 200 (Includes 16 B/W Illustrations)
• Cover: Paperback
• Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm
• Weight: 190 gm

About the Book:

• Title: The Memoirs of Govindrao Tembe
• This book is a translation of Govindrao Tembe's original Marathi memoirs, Maazha Sangeet Vyaasang.
• The memoir provides a detailed account of Tembe's quest to learn and promote music, beginning in his school days in Kolhapur and later flourishing in Mumbai.
• Govindrao Tembe had a deep passion for the harmonium at a time when many classical music stalwarts dismissed its potential in Indian classical music. Despite this, Tembe pursued mastery over the instrument, learning Hindustani classical music from Bhaskarbua Bakhle and absorbing the teachings of renowned harmonium maestros of his time.
• Over time, Tembe was regarded as a wizard of the harmonium, and his contributions helped elevate the instrument within the realm of Indian classical music.

About the Author:

• Govindrao Tembe (1881–1955) was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
• Initially a self-taught harmonium player, Tembe went on to become one of the leading exponents of the instrument in western India.
• Apart from being a musician, Tembe was also an author and wrote plays, operas, songs, articles on music, and books such as Kalpana Sangeet, where he discusses his interpretations of Hindustani raags.
• His devotion to music and his efforts to popularize the harmonium in classical circles have earned him a respected place in the annals of Indian music history.