Dhrupad - Khayal

In the Ancient times, sages recited Vedic mantras in vocal form accompanied by the Veena. In the early Medieval period, Indian music was used to popularise Hindu philosophy and religious ideas, taking Indian music to a peak with the emergence of Dhrupad. Impactful influences from Persia and Central Asia catalysed the evolution of a musical culture unique to North India, known as Hindustani Music. Dhrupad art form flourished and remained prominent until the second half of the 18th century, the age that heralded the development of Khayal.

An evening presentation of Dhrupad and Khayal, the two essential styles of Indian Classical music, illustrated and expressed through the creativity of the musicians. The concert will open with Sharada Mushti on Rudra Veena, followed by Rajeev Janardan on Sitar.

Notes:

Rudra Veena (been)

One of the only instruments having expressive capacities close to the human voice, the been, once associated with Dhrupad singing, embodies the concept and the aesthetics of the raga (particularly the alaap). Bearing still a nimbus of distinction, it’s tradition is now maintained by a mere handful of musicians.

Sitar

Taken to India from Central Asia, the sitar is the most dominant instrument in Hindustani music, to perform Khayal, which means a thought or an imagination. Keeping the dictum of a raga, to express oneself by elaborating the raga through different stages of alaap and taan.

Sharada Mushti is a Rudra Veena player. 

She is trained in Dhrupad style under the distinguished Imdadkhani Gharana of Indian Classical music. She is a disciple of Pandit Arvind Parikh, doyen of Imdadkhani Gharana. She received foundation training in Dhrupad from Shri Rajeev Janardan, who gave her a vision in music and continues to nurture her musical journey.

Rajeev Janardan is an exponent of Hindustani Classical Music and a torchbearer of the Imdadkhani Etawah Gharana. A charismatic leading sitar artiste of the present generation, his renditions represents the pure essence of a highly revered musical heritage.

Initiated into Hindustani Classical Music at the tender age of eight, he blossomed into a true artist under the valuable guidance of his gurus, Pandit Bimlendu Mukherjee and Pandit Arvind Parikh, doyens of the famous ImdadKhani Gharana of Sitar.

Rajeev Janardan is an unparalleled artist; his versatility with the instrument and its techniques combined with his deep understanding of the ragas stands him apart. 
He has upheld the aesthetic principles of traditional music and has mesmerised the world with his pristine pure, delicate yet fiery music. Being a powerhouse performer, he has gained an extremely respectable reputation, always captivating the audience with his exceptional ability to project beautiful music. He is equally proficient in Rudra Veena and Surbahar. He has performed at all the prestigious festivals in India and has performed extensively abroad. 

Sukhad Manik Munde was born in a musical family of Great Pakhawaj Maestro Pt.Manik Munde. He has got inspiration with blessings from the great Gurus like Bhakt Ganesh Anna Choudhary & Prof. Pt. Govindrao Deshmukh. Sukhad started getting Pakhawaj & Tabla Talim (training) at the age of 6 yrs under Guru-Shishya Parampara from his Father & Guru Pt.Manik Munde, well-known Pakhawaj Maestro Worldwide. Sukhad got SWAR-GYAN from the well-known Dhrupad Guru Pt. Uday Bhawalkar. He has got many opportunities to accompany great Instrumentalists, Katthak Dancers and Vocalists like SangitMartand Pt. Jasraj, Pt. RattanMohan Sharma, Ustad Taufiq Qureshi (Djembe), Pt. Yogesh Samsi (Tabla) PadmaShree Gundecha Brothers (Dhrupad), Ustad Bahauddin Dagar (Rudra Veena), Pt.Ronu Majumdar (Flute), many Kathak Dancers and other great artists. Sukhad has performed in various Music Conferences & Festivals