Fine presentation of Kirana Gharana
The style of Kirana Gharana is distinctive with a vocal quality of gentle repose. Although the origin of this gharana is controversial, some say Abdul Karim Khan, otherwise known as 'Khan sahab', is the real founder of the gharana, others trace it back a few centuries to a line of musicians from the village of Kirana in Uttar Pradesh.
Mashkoor Ali Khan has a rich musical lineage. He is the direct descendant of the great Ustad Abdul Karim Khan and the legendary Sartaje-Mousiqui Ustad Abdul Wahid Khan, the founders of the famous Kirana Gharana. Mashkoor Ali was initiated into music and trained by his father, the great sarangi player Padmashree Ustad Shakoor Khan Sahab. After his father's death, he joined ITC- Sangeet Research Academy as a scholar, to further refine and develop his undiluted style of Kirana gayaki.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The fragrant Dolonchampa adorning an earthen bowl of water, together with the flame of floating candles, created an unforgettable ambience. The first badaa khayal of the evening was in Raaga Megh that suits any moment in the rainy season, otherwise around midnight. For many centuries Megh has been treated as the main raaga of the Malhar family, which is purported to have the quality of inviting rain. The artiste played this grave raaga beautifully, accompanied on the tabla by Nisar Ahmed, tanpura by Rubina Ahmed and Rezwanul Haq, and harmonium by Anup Barua, where sound literally seemed to sparkle.
After the detailed alaap, bistaar and taan in raaga Megh he chose to play the happy and romantic raaga Hameer, one of the best mid-evening melodies. Mushkoor Ali's superb musical lineage was in full evidence in his presentation of the raaga and he simply unfolded its hidden charm. His voice smoothly glided over all gradations of the notes. His extremely fine intonation conveyed a single musical sound with a distinct expression.
His meticulous attention incorporated the style of the Kirana Gayaki and brought out the meditative, contemplative and emotional aspects of the raagas Desh and Khamaj.
In the devout and culturally rich ambiance at the auditorium on a rainy evening, Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan created an intense spiritual fervor and even more.