JOIN USThe legend is alive and well
Classical Treasures
Ustaad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Virgin Records, Rs 295
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan was an Hindustani classical singer par excellence who was considered an important representative of the Hindustani music tradition in the early and mid 20th century.
He belonged to the Patiala Gharana of Hindustani classical music which was famous for its ghazal, thumri and khayal. The Gharana was exemplified by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan’s quick ascent through the octave in his rendering of Darbari.
The album features an exquisite rendition of three different ragas by the maestro. The first is a 14-minute rendition in Raga Piloo. Raga Piloo is afternoon raga. The second track is a rendition of the Hindustani raga Bhairavi (different from the Carnatic raga of the same name). Traditionally it is a morning raga.
In modern times, at least in khayal, it is usually performed only as the concluding item of concerts. The third and the final recital is a longish vocal piece of 28 minutes on Raga Rageshri, a late evening raga. With almost one hour recording, it is the next best thing to listening a live concert by the late maestro.