Dhrupad is the oldest form of vocal and instrumental music in Hindustani tradition. Unlike the ebullient khayal tradition, it is austere in character but graced by a grave and enduring beauty. One of the most talented younger exponents of this old musical form, Uday Bhawalkar studied dhrupad in the traditional Guru Shishya parampara, first under Ustad Fariduddin Dagar and then Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. In this concert recording, the artiste has chosen a beautiful late night melody Bihag, starting with a very slow alap, using syllabi taken from an ancient Sanskrit mantra, followed by a dhamar. This meditative treatment develops the emotional state of the raga. |