On the sesquicentennial birth anniversary of one of the foremost experts of instrumental music, Baba Alauddin Khan, a tribute concert has been organised this Saturday to celebrate the genius and his music
He is the father of Ali Akbar Khan and teacher of many great musicians including Ravi Shankar and Pannalal Ghosh. A renowned composer of the 20th century, Baba Alauddin Khan, a sarod maestro and a multi-instrumentalist was one of the first musicians who laid the seeds of Indian orchestral compositions. On the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary, a tribute concert has been organised by Prasar Bharati, in association with the NCPA, on October 20.
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Khan laid the foundation of the modern Maihar Gharana and also formed the Maihar band, the first orchestra with Indian instruments. He formed an 18-member band with a few orphaned children, that he taught music to. He used unique creations such as the saranga and sitar-banjo in the band. The Maihar Band, the only Indian orchestral band in the country, will be performing various compositions with several instruments at this concert. The evening will also witness a performance by the great flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Baba Alauddin Khan
Talking about the concert, Dr Suvarnalata Rao, Head, Programming, Indian Music, NCPA, says, "Baba's noteworthy contribution to Indian classical music needs an equally remarkable tribute. The evening will see a beautiful celebration of the Maihar Gharana and its artistes in a resplendent sonic landscape of sounds, ragas and classical revelry." Khan had recorded many compositions with the All India Radio in 1959 and 1960. Prasar Bharati will be releasing some rare recordings of Khan as well.
