A book with the ascending and descending notes followed by an audio CD of the mentioned ragas with an introduction to the stalwarts of music at Rs 350 sounds quite approachable for someone who has not yet been initiated to Indian classical music. Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, who represent the seventh generation of the Senia Bangash School of Music, have recently written their second book, 50 maestros 50 Recordings: The Best of Indian Classical Music.
As Ayaan Ali Khan puts it, ?HarperCollins has started a series?the 50 best. They approached us to write the second in the series on Indian classical music. The book is about the journeys of maestros with whom as young musicians we grew up listening to and who could guide the younger people. The book has three parts revolving around the musician, his/her contribution, encounters with the artiste, followed by the recordings. All of them are institutions. These are people who have shown the path and are responsible for thousands of musicians who earn their bread and butter today.?
They have performed at concerts and festivals around the world and have crossed the bridge between pure classical and western fusion with their electronic and lounge albums. Apart from playing a stringed musical instrument sarod, they have also walked the ramp at spring and summer 2010 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi. Now, they are authors too.
Any individual who wants to be initiated to Indian classical music, 50 Maestros…will give first-hand knowledge as it features the greatest musicians, from Begum Akhtar to Bhimsen Joshi, Enayat Khan to Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan to Shiv Kumar Sharma and Semmangudi Iyer to MS Subbulakshmi. Ranging from the traditional gharanas to fusion, vocal and instrumental, they explore the world of both northern and southern Indian music. Ayaan recollects, ?Our parents would always insist that we attend as many concerts as we could and to follow the best work. We have written a book on the 50 pillars on which Indian classical music stands today. Most of the music today is an inspiration. These institutions of music had no references and they have created their own references. The book is quite approachable and comes with a CD.?
A biography of their father, Abba-God?s Greatest Gift, was a reflection of the Bangash family in tradition and transition. In this book, they have looked at father Ustad Amjad Ali Khan?s life with deference, humility and great love. Amjad Ali Khan started performing at the age of six, while Amaan and Ayaan started their musical journeys at the age of eight.
Considering the vastness of classical music, is 50 Maestros? something of an instant noodle? ?It?s a trailer to Indian classical music. It was not a thesis we wanted to put together. We simplified things for the youngsters. The motive behind writing this book was to encourage the younger generation to listen to classical music, and also get to know some of our musical legends,? quips Amaan.
The book has 80-minute CD as well as some rare photographs from the authors? collection.
On the differences within music, the brothers say, ?There is no good music or bad music. Instead it?s appealing or non-appealing. Everyone tries to give his or her best when in front of an audience. In this book, there is reference to Carnatic and Hindustani classical music and the never-ending issues surrounding it. The classification between north Indian classical music and south Indian music is an argument that our father has always dwelled on. Also, the book simplifies how various permutations and combination give the scales the shape of a raga, which is again not just about scales and has to be invoked, understood and cared for just like a living entity.?
Talking about Indian classical music?s reach across the world and their contemporaries, Amaan says, ?Music is something that one can enjoy, but it is not meant to be understood. It?s a language that you will pick up yourself. Our contemporaries and all of us collectively are reaching out to the same mission of making our tradition known to the world, which, in turn, is the tribute to our gurus.? Ayaan sums up by explaining fusion in music, ?When minds don?t match it produces noise on stage, but when it synchronises, it?s no less than magic.?
