Rabindranath Tagore – The Singer and His Songs

Rabindranath Tagore – The Singer and His Songs
Author: Reba Som
Publisher: Viking by Penguin
Edition: First Edition, 2009
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 291
Size: 5 inch x 8 inch

Rabindranath Tagore – The Singer and His Songs by historian and classical singer Reba Som is a soulful and intimate journey through the musical and lyrical universe of India’s most celebrated poet and polymath, Rabindranath Tagore. Published in 2009 by Viking (Penguin), this 291-page hardcover volume is not just a biography—it is a deep and nuanced interpretation of Tagore’s musical oeuvre in the context of his life, philosophy, and cultural environment.

Unlike conventional biographical accounts that emphasize his literary or political achievements, this work focuses on Tagore as a composer and performer, shining light on the Rabindra Sangeet tradition—a musical legacy of over 2,000 songs that continue to resonate in Bengali households and concert halls across the world. Reba Som brings a rare insider’s sensitivity to the subject, combining her scholarly rigor with her practical understanding of the music, as a trained performer herself.

The book explores the evolution of Tagore’s music—how it absorbed and transformed elements of Indian classical ragas, Baul folk traditions, and even Western harmonics. Som delves into the themes of spirituality, nature, nationalism, and humanism that infused his songs with both universality and deeply personal feeling. She examines key compositions not just as works of art but as emotional responses to personal joys, losses, and historic events, including Tagore’s reaction to colonial rule, the partition of Bengal, and World War I.

Also significant is the book’s portrayal of Tagore’s role as a performer—his early recitals, the reception of his voice, and how his method of singing shaped Rabindra Sangeet’s distinctive style. Archival anecdotes, musical notations, and translations of lyrics appear throughout, adding richness and authenticity to the narrative.

This edition is beautifully produced with a durable hardcover binding and a compact 5 x 8 inch format, making it an elegant and portable volume for readers, scholars, and musicians alike. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Tagore’s literature, a student of Indian music, or a reader drawn to the intersection of art and identity, this book offers an unparalleled window into the heart of a creative genius who sang the soul of a nation.

• Key Themes:

  • Tagore’s musical evolution

  • Influence of folk and classical forms

  • Lyrics as reflections of his life and times

  • Nationalism and cultural identity through song

• Special Features:

  • Musical notation and lyric translations

  • Author’s personal insights as a performer

  • Blend of historical narrative and musical analysis

• Audience:

  • Scholars of Indian culture and literature

  • Musicians and performers of Rabindra Sangeet

  • General readers interested in Tagore’s philosophy

• Significance:

  • A unique take on Tagore’s lesser-known musical contributions

  • An essential companion for understanding the emotional and sonic depth of his works

  • A valuable addition to collections on Indian music, modern poetry, and cultural histor