Ravindra Chary (Sitar)

Attended concert of Ravindra Chary (Sitar) accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar (Tabla) organized by Anubhooti at India Social and Cultural center, Abu Dhabi, on 30th May 2014.

Raag of the concert was Raag Yaman.

First Raviji presented Aalap, Jod, Chanda and Jhala. Followed by Gat composed by Ustad Shahid Paevez in Rupak taal.

He then presented a very old Bandish from Kirana gharana in Teen taal.

Composition of Ustad Wahid Khan (grandfather of Ustad Shahid Parvez) was next presentation.

From there they entered seamlessly into Sawal-Jawab (सवाल-जवाब). The artists got a standing ovation for it.

Finally he switched to light music and played dhun (धुन). It was a medley of Assamese, Rajastani, Afghani dhuns.

Raviji is an excellent Sitar player and he demonstrated his finess and command. I came to know that he is an equally good harmonium player. His humility was evident when he expressed gratitude that a top artist like Satyajit is accompanying him and appreciated the hospitality of Anubhooti.

Raviji drew first applause within a minute of starting the concert. And the applauses continued till the end. He has composed a special Bandish on the day of concert in Raag Yaman and titled it 'Anubhooti' in honor of the organizers. It was a privilege, however he forgot to play it. Audience was disappointed.

Satyajitji demonstrated why he is considered one of the foremost tabla exponents today. His economy of movement fascinated me. He played a bouquet of variations with bal (बल) on different bol (बोल). This was a learning experience for students of Tabla. He also drew repeated applauses.

Both artists were visibly enjoying playing with each other and that doubled the joy of audience. People congratulated the artists and organizers. Audience was not ready to come out of the mood for a long time.

Sounds system was optimum. With four programs going on at the same time sound engineer was stretched.

A magical concert. It was an Anubhooti (अनुभूती).

Entertainment rating 9.75/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

Amman Ali Khan (Sarod) and Ayyan Ali Khan (Sarod)

Attended concert of Amman Ali Khan (Sarod) and Ayyan Ali Khan (Sarod) accompanied by Satyajit Talwalkar (Tabla) and Anubrata Chaterjee (Tabla) as part of Emirates Classics III, at DUCTAC, Dubai on 2nd May 2014. This was my second time to watch Amman-Ayyan live.

Concert started with raag Shree. They presented two compositions. First in Jhap taal and second in Teen taal.

Then they presented raag Desh first in Ada Chautal and then in Teen taal. The compositions they played were of their grandfather Haafiz Ali Khan Saab.

Raag chaukeshi in teen taal was the next offering. Chrukeshi is a raag from South Indian system of  Indian classical music.

A folk tune from Bengal (Bhatiyali) was played next. I have heard this played by their father many times earlier.

Saraswati was then played for five minutes upon Satyajeet's recommendation. Then they moved to raag Kirwani for the conclusion and achieved the grand finale.

Amman and Ayyan play very well. They   are seventh generation sarodiya's. They definitely are two future Ustad's. Ayyan's Sarod was giving him trouble and had to be tuned frequently.

Both tabalji's were too good. Credit should be given to them for playing so well and to Amman-Ayyan for choosing tabalji's who are as good and at times even better than them. As compared to concert of Amjad Ali Khan last year (where these four accompanied him) tabalji's were given lot of free hand in this  concert.

Auditorium was not full despite it being a week end. It appears that since DUCTAC increased the ticket rates by 50%, sales have taken a hit. It's unfortunate that this has impacted patronage to Indian classical music. Sound system also gave a lot of trouble with whistling sound.

Amman and Ayyan are Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's sons. Satyajit is Talayogi Pandit Suresh Talwalkar's son and Anubrata is son of Pandit Anindo Chaterjree. So the players had a very strong lineage of classical music. However all said and done, I did not come out of the auditorium very satisfied. I did not feel that the performers gelled well.

Entertainment rating 8/10.