At a rare arts and culture offering over the weekend,
the world-acclaimed Sarod (an Indian stringed instruments
much like the Indian Sitar) Maestro
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan accompanied by his
sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, Tabla
(Indian drums) players Vineet Vyas and Shubhankar
Banerjee, and Lalitha Venktaramani on the Tanpura,
gave a stunning performance at The Christel DeHaan
Performing Arts Center on the campus of University
of Indianapolis.
I am not a music critic. I am offering my personal
impressions and reflections of an unforgettable evening:
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan transformed the space into a
sacred sanctuary thrilling the spell-bound hearts
of the packed house with a soulful ecstasy. As if
in a meditative trance, and with a masterful touch,
the Maestro let his fingers orchestrate the strings
to sing, interpret, and embellish the ancient classical
Indian Ragas (musical patterns) and two familiar prayer
songs.
He began the concert with a deeply moving and original
rendition of "Vaishnav Jana To Tane Re Kahaiye
Je Pir Parayee Jane Re." That was followed by
a magnificent offering in Raag Durga. Then, his two
sons, the brilliant and gifted brothers Amaan and
Ayaan showed their magnificent skills on the Sarod
in Raag Kosi Kanra to the accompaniment of Tabla and
Tanpura. Their style, technique, and artistic creativity
mesmerized the audience. They display great authority,
exuberant energy, and impressive stage presence.
Ustad Khan returned and together they offered a rendition
of the Bengali song "Jo Dee Dakshnay To Na"
by India's great sage, poet-laureate, humanitarian,
and musical genius, Rabindranath Tagore. Together
they sparkled, charming the listeners into unimagined
emotional heights and delightful crescendos giving
a measure of their awesome talent.
Throughout the nearly two hour long concert, there
were standing ovations as Khan Sahib entered the Hall
and at the end of the Concert. There were several
spontaneous thunderous applauses at various points
when the audience felt especially moved by the performance
of the Sarod protégés and the Tabla
masters. Individually and together, the elegant and
unassuming Maestro and his accomplished sons Amaan
and Ayann, and the tabla players Shubhankar and Vineet
created timeless and amazing music with their absolute
mastery over their instruments.
The Sarod Maestro sat on a raised platform in his
deep green Kurta Pyjama. He rested the head of his
beautiful Sarod that resembles an ancient Afghani
Rabab but has nineteen strings on his right thigh
with his left leg crossing underneath. His outstretched
right foot stayed covered with an embroidered shawl.
After adjusting his instrument to the right Raga and
rhythm, he brought forth masterfully a rich spectrum
of sounds: human voice, booming, resonating, reverberating,
barely audible, and musical mosaics that repeatedly
transported our spirit to celestial realms.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's inventive genius has added
new Ragas: musical patterns and enriched the Indian
classical and the world of music. He breathes new
life into the strings. Music in his soul and fingers
seem to honor the Master. I imagined him performing
before the gods and at the Highest Court making his
music offerings and adding to the sanctity and spirit
of ecstasy of the holy gathering. There was playfulness
and intense concentration, faint ripples and rushing
musical waves, perfect symphonic harmony and individual
displays of unique talents. There is an aura of divine
light when he plays. Ustad Khan transcends into the
amazing realms and depths of music and brings forth
music of superb beauty and serene splendor. He is
a cultural treasure and goodwill ambassador; a celebrated
icon of hope and friendship. He reminds us that humanity's
difference and divides have a universal bridge in
music, dance, culture, arts, and matters of spirit.
He uplifts and directs our spirit and sights towards
the divine within and all around.
As I listened in awe and reverence, I had the feeling
that his music was stirring and awakening emotions
and cultural memories within that I did not know existed
and connecting me to generations and times of long
ago. Waves of sounds were emanating from the strings
of Sarod as if they were under his powerful spell
and in total obedience and joyful surrender filing
past my senses in a colorful and dazzling procession
of echoes and images. His slightest gesture of hand,
head movement, glance signaled others to follow and
showcase their skills with pleasure.
The Maestro reminded his audience that "Sound
is God" and the "music has no religion."
The Sikh scriptures and other sacred traditions affirm
that sentiment as Shabd-Guru and reveal that there
is celestial music resonating throughout the unfathomable
heavens. During the concert, it seemed as if a little
of that heavenly music, celestial energy, temporal
passion, sensual pleasure, and intense ecstasy had
descended into the performing hall.
Now, imagine all of that creativity from memory and
spirit-guided. There is no written music. It was breath-taking,
inspirational and transforming experience to treasure.
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a seventh-generation illustrious
musician, has been enthralling audiences since the
age of six. Today, achieving unimagined heights and
perfection, he is among the venerated world cultural
"ambassadors." Recipient of many prestigious
honors, including the UNESCO Award, Padma Vibushan
(highest Indian civilian awards), the "Commander
of the Order of Arts and Letters" by the French
Government, and the15th Fukuoka Asian Culture Grand
Prize, Khan has given brilliant performances at world
famous events: Edinburgh Music Festival, Carnegie
Hall, World Arts Summit in Venice, and World Festival
of Sacred Music with His Holiness the Dali Lama. His
humility, humanity, elegance of spirit and graciousness,
and incredible music offer us a glimpse of beauty
and splendor personified.
The concert was organized by the India Association
of Indianapolis under the leadership of its President,
Mr. Haresh Gangwani with Ms. Archana Thaker serving
as the Event Coordinator. The Concert sponsors included
Tata Consultancy Services, University of Indianapolis,
IUPUI, India Studies Program, Indiana University,
International Center of Indianapolis, Lilly India
Network, and Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Jaipal Singh
and Mr. Subhash Mahajan served as Program Co-Chairs.
Mr. Arun Kumar, Consul General of India was in attendance
and addressed the gathering at dinner that followed
the concert.
Kanwal Prakash "KP" Singh
Indianapolis, Indiana USA
www.kpsinghdesigns.com
