Last month one of my posts contained an album with examples of the double reeded instrument, the 'Shehnai'. This month we have an album by the Master of the Shehnai, Ustad Bismillah Khan (1916-2006). This is an old recording ripped from vinyl by Count Reeshard , whom I thank dearly for this collection of soul stirring music.
I do recall seeing a copy of this LP back in the early 70's (because of the unusual name of the album) but had never heard the music until recently.
The Shehnai has a very unusual high pitched sound (somewhat akin to the high notes of the clarinet or soprano Saxophone), and to the uninitiated could be difficult to listen to for an extended period of time - I think you either love it or are unmoved.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was prolific over many decades and traveled widely with his 'party' of musicians, usually 3 or 4 other Shehnai players (students), and tabla was the usual accompanying instrument.
In 2001 he was awarded India's highest civic award the 'Bharat Ratna', for his contribution to music.
'Khan had the rare honor of performing at Delhi's Red Fort on the eve of India's Independence in 1947. He also performed Raga Kafi from the Red Fort on the eve of India’s first Republic Day ceremony, on January 26, 1950. His recital had become a cultural part of India's Independence Day Celebrations, telecast on Doordarshan every year on August 15th. After the Prime Minister's speech from Lal Qila (the Red Fort,) in Old Delhi, Doordarshan would broadcast a live performance by the shehnai maestro. This tradition dated from the days of Pandit Nehru.' ~ Wikipedia
On the 21nd August 2008 Ustad Khan was shown further respect by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who announced the release of a commemorative postage stamp, terming it "a token of our nation’s and our government’s respect for him".
Without doubt Ustad Bismillah Khan is one of the great souls of the universe.
Tracklist
01 Raga Lalit Tritaal
02 Dhun Taal Kharawa
03 Raga Multani Tritaal
04 Dhun Ghazal
m4a converted to CBR 320kbps mp3 l 96 MBs l sorry no scans
Download part 1
Download part 2
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