Ustad Amjad Ali Khan - Sarod Concert 8 Nov 2013

A Mesmerizing Evening Of Melodious Sarod Strains, Stirring Souls & Stealing Hearts!

By – Lt Col (Retd) D Purushothaman Pillay

On Friday, 8th November 2013, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, Ernakulam District Administration, Ernakulam Fine Arts Society and Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council, presented Padma Vibhushan - Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, to an enthralled evening gathering of Kochi music lovers, at the Fine Arts Hall. It was purported to be, the opening presentation of their new, year-long, weekend cultural extravaganza.

This Sarod concert was divided into three parts. The 45 minute long, first part, had the Bangash brothers, the elder Amaan Ali Bangash and the younger Ayaan Ali Bangash, who represent the seventh generation, in an unbroken chain of the Bangash Senia Gharana of Sarod players, breathing new life into ancient traditions. The duo recited the haunting rendition ‘Sur’ with aplomb and floored the audience, with their fast passages, delivered with brimming energy and acute precision.

The second part had the soulfully sensuous, 68 year old Sarod virtuoso Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, enrapturing the audience, by making the strings of the Sarod render delicate, evocative notes with the magic, of the grooved edges of the fingernails, of the first and second fingers, of his left hand. He played two exquisite renditions, with sophisticated elegance.  First, the melodious ‘Raag Khamaj’, followed by the euphonious, ‘Raag Zila Kafi’. The maestro used his signature trembling-pitch ornamentation, and highlighted important notes between rhythmic beats. His phrases began ever so mildly, became distended and plunged into apparent silence, only to re-emerge with an uplifting intense escalation. He alternated with some lightning fast phrases, but refrained from overwhelming you with unbridled power.

The third and final part of the evening recital was indeed a rare treat to watch. It was an enthralling, dynastic coming together, of a genius father and his two talented sons. The whole concert was bound together, with the exhilarating percussion accompaniment, provided by Tabla maestro Satyajit Talwalkar. This masterful accompanist gave a subdued performance, which occasionally drew rapturous applause for providing the crescendo time and again. But not for a single moment, the whole evening, did he allow his tabla to upstage the Sarod, which was the undeniable star of the occasion. It would indeed be pertinent, to apportion a part of the credit, to the invisible presence of the Master Sarod-Maker, late Hemendra Chandra Sen also. This perfectionist, is fabled to have custom-crafted, the many Sarods used by this trio, of the Bangash Gharana.

To those who are unfamiliar with this musical instrument, it is worth touching upon what this resonant, stringed fretless, wonder-provider, of the proverbial perfect musical 'Slide/Sweep' or 'Glissandi' is all about. Sarod, is a distinguished looking lute-like, stringed teak wood, instrument used in Indian classical music. It has a distinct rounded wooden back, with a goat skin soundboard, stretched across its resonator, having a chrome cast steel, unfretted finger board, across which is strung the 17 to 25 delicate steel or phosphor bronze strings. These strings are plucked with a triangular plectrum, traditionally made with polished coconut shell, ebony or cow bone.

The invention of the Sarod is attributed, by some historical accounts, to the ancestors of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Around three centuries ago, an unknown Afghan horse-trader and musician, Mohammed Hashmi Khan Bangash, migrated to India with a Central Asian Rubab. He then went on to become a court musician, to the King of Rewa. Little did he realise that his grandson Ghulam Ali Khan Bangash,  around 1820, would end up as a court musician of the Gwalior royalty and would be credited with remodeling the Rubab to create a Sarod. The Ghulam Ali / Gwalior Bangash Gharana, has ever since, preserved the tradition of playing the Sarod with distinction, to this day and generation.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is a disciple of his father, a renowned Sarod exponent, Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan, from Tansen's Senia Gharana. It is common knowledge that grand tradition, bears great responsibilities. But far from being burdened by history and lineage, Ustad steeped himself in a culture of liberal secularism. He is one classical musician, committed to a tradition, which offers freedom to innovate. Mind you it is a tough act, over these long years, to both maintain tradition, yet discover a new musical soul for the instrument. But our genius has managed to weave a rich tapestry of music, transcending generations. He has since the early 60s, been rightly credited with, popularizing the sounds of Asia, all over the world. That is an achievement of over half a century now, which any artiste can be justifiably proud of.

The highlight of the evening, for me personally, must certainly be the compelling trilogy, which was organized on a series of subtle cues. They intermittently played the theme in unison without percussion. Then the Ustad unfolded phrases, for each son to copy. There were compelling moments of hushed intimacies, stolen glances, which almost disappeared into elusive silences, amid disarming smiles. Gradually the music gained tempestuous intensity, with vigorous nods of the head, the rhythm gained momentum, to end in an unrestrained, enchanting euphoric unison passage. The crowd stood up to give a standing ovation to the Ustad and his team for creating the bewitching enchantment they did, those two memorable hours, which would remain forever etched in memory.

The packed hall was overwhelmed by this, unique fusion of the seven notes, showcased so mellifluously by the Bangash clan. It was a wonderful evening, for the lovers of this refined and pristine musical tradition. I will remember this as an unforgettable performance, which poured from the soul of a genius, for whom music is an undying and everlasting passion.

God bless the Ustad!!