Musical Reunion

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's telephonic interview begins with a classical rendition.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan’s telephonic interview begins with a classical rendition. As one asks him about music,the maestro breaks into an alaap ,before commenting,”While language creates barriers,pure sound is transparent.” On December 3,Khan will perform at the Swarchaitanya concert with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain,after a gap of 25 years.

Organised by ‘Sa’ Va ‘Ni’,a city-based music organisation,Swarchaitanya is an annual musical initiative that brings renowned artists together on one stage. The sarod maestro feels the city is unique for its musical aptitude. “Pune always has a special mention in my annual calendar. I was here last year for a show dedicated to Pandita Kishori Amonkarji. The city is also special because this is where I connected with Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. It’s a multicultural hub with a very balanced audience,” he says.

Khan looks forward to his performance with Hussain. “It is a great honour to play with Zakir Hussain in Pune. All over the world people love to see us perform together. He is a gifted tabla player and I always look forward to collaborating with him,” he says. Ustad Zakir Hussain echoes the sentiments. “I have not had the opportunity to play with Ustad Amjad Ali Khansahab in Pune for almost 25 years. He is one of the greatest musicians of India and like my elder brother. He skillfully combines the elements of rhythm and melody and he understands how to bring out the best qualities of his tabla accompanist in the concert. So it is always very exciting and challenging to play with him,” he says.

Both the artistes have performed with western musicians. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan prefers to call it a musical collaboration rather than fusion. “Fusion is treated like a joke. What has emerged today is a better and healthier form of fusion wherein artistes are blending music in a way that its essence is not lost. Collaboration of this kind is good for the growth of music,” he says.

(The Swarchaitanya music concert will be held on Saturday,December 3,at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch at 6:30pm)

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Ustad Amjad Ali Khan