Attended a concert of Chirag Katti (Sitar). Chirag was accompanied by Rajkumar Chaterjee (Tabla). This concert was organised by Kanan Music Circle at the residence of Girish and Sangya on 21st Feb 2019. I attended the concert with Aditi and Jayant.
Chirag, disciple of his father Pt. Shashank Katti, hails from Imdadkhani gharana. Rajkumar is a disciple of Pt. Arvind Kumar Azad of Benares gharana.
Bada Khyal of the concert was evening mishra Raag Puriya Kalyan ( पूरिया कल्याण) of Marwa thaat. He started with conventional Aalap - Jod - Jhala. Some of the audience left after this. He then presented two compositions. Tabla joined in for these. First was in Madhyalay Jhaptaal (10 beat cycle) and second was in Teen taal (16 beat cycle). Chirag and consequently the audience enjoyed the second composition. Finally crescendo when he played very fast, tabalji struggled a little bit to keep up.
He then played a dhun in late night Raag Khamaj (खमाज) of Khamaj thaat. This raag has been explored more in the lighter forms. This was a familiar tune and everyone connected with it and enjoyed it.
This was time to end the concert but audience wanted more and Chirag acceded to continue.
So, Chota Khyal was 26th melakarta raag from Carnatic music, night Raag Charukeshi (चारूकेशी). He presented a short composition. From Charukeshi he moved to Raagmala. Here he played a number of known tunes. Audience liked it because they were able to recognize the tunes. (Marma bandhatli, Dere Kanha, Rasme ulfat etc.). Raagmala and concert ended with Bhairavi.
Chirag gave audience some impromptu lessons about Hindustani Classical Music. He explained how adding or removing one note one raag changes to another and then another (Kalawati to Janasammohini to Gawati to Vachaspati) etc.
Chirag displayed his command over delicate, forte, gayaki and jazzy notes. His meends received spontaneous applause from audience.
I had heard Puriya Kalyan as Bada Khyal in a live concert only once earlier in Alladiyakhan festival. Puriya Kalyan is a blend of Raag Yaman and Raag Puriya.
Chirag is a perfectionist and took his time till the sound system was set to his satisfaction. Audience, sensing the perfectionist in him, waited patiently.
Music system was decent but could have been sharper, especially, for finer and delicate notes.
Entertainment rating 8/10.
