Author

Balaji Vittal

8 key ideas, each explained in our own words.

R. D. Burman: The Man, The Music

IDEA 1
He grew up inside film music
The authors describe how Rahul Dev Burman learnt music at the side of his father, the composer S. D. Burman. Assisting his father on films gave him training in both Indian and Western styles from a young age.
IDEA 2
Teesri Manzil made his name
The book shows how the songs of Teesri Manzil in 1966 announced a bold new sound in Hindi film music. Their energy and Western influences made the young composer suddenly sought after.
IDEA 3
He found music in everyday objects
The authors describe how R. D. Burman experimented with sounds from unusual sources, like blowing into bottles or rubbing a comb. He used such tricks, along with new instruments and rhythms, to make songs sound fresh.

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