A Brief mention about Harmonium and its transformation from a Western based instrument in to an Indian based instrument called Samvadini.

Harmonium is an instrument of Western Import. It was first made in Italy around 1840. Harmonium has been on the Indian musical scene since last 150 years. It is a very popular and ubiquitous instrument. One can find its presence at practically every musical event - big or small - be it a Classical Music Mehfil or a Light Music Mehfil like Ghazal, Bhajan, Kirtan or film music. However in all these musical functions, one can see that harmonium’s role is limited to that of an accompanying or supporting instrument. What we call Saath Sangat. Harmonium could never reach the height of a solo instrument having its own indentify like what one sees in case of the Sitar, Sarod, Santoor or Flute.

It was late Pandit Manohar Chimote (1929-2012) who took up the challenge of transforming this accompanying cum supporting instrument into a full, fledged solo instrument Pandit Chimote made it a mission of his life and devoted his entire life to reach towards this objective.

His first challenge was to change the tempered based tuning of western music to a Gandhar based tuning of Indian music. The second challenge was to impart a sonoruous tonal quality to the sound of harmonium. This he over came with the selection of proper reeds and placing a harp like device on the top of the harmonium. The third challenge was to evolve a distinct system of playing harmonium in the Indian Classical music way covering Aalap, Jod, Jhala, Vilambit and Drut Gatkari. This distinct system of playing is what we call as “baaz” was evolved over a period of time by Pandit Manohar Chimote. Thus having Indianised the harmonium, he re-named it as SAMVADINI.