In past, word like ‘fusion’ was not used in context of classical music. But in a modern age, with competition galore, and to lure modern ‘listener’, such imaginative word has to be used to make classical music more appetising for uninitiated – or half-initiated – music lovers. Ustad Fateh Ali Khan along with his son Rustam Fateh Ali Khan are few of those living legends in classical music who are striving not for promotion of classical music experimenting with contemporary music but also preserving the classical music heritage. Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Ministry of Culture arranged an event on Tuesday night to pay tribute to the illustrious services of Ustad Khan from Patiala Family and for advancement and promotion of classical music. Minister for Culture Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, PNCA DG Tauqir Nasir, and a number of music intellectuals, music lovers and students attended this event.
The minister appreciated the role of classical vocalists of the past and present and mentioned the contribution of the Patiala Family to which Ustad Fateh Ali Khan belongs and is one of the most acclaimed classical singers of the subcontinent. “His art is characterised with immense ‘tayyari,’ and powerful flights (tans) presented in a master’s style. He has command over kheyal, thumri and kafi and he has represented Pakistan in many festivals and concerts around the world,” he said.
The duo of father and son made this night – a night to remember for the dwellers of twin cities at National Art Gallery (NAG) through their classical performances lasting over two hours where a large number of music lovers turned up and got enthralled. Ustad Fateh and Rustam Fateh— who were accompanied by Jamil on the tabla, Umeed Ali on harmonium, and Hussain on Surmandal – began the performance with ‘raag’ ‘shab kalyan’ followed by Raag Gauri (the raag belongs to the family of Bhairon and is sung on weddings). Khan sahib along with his son also presented raags Chayanut and Kamode, followed by a dhurupad (old classical in which taans are not allowed) in raag- Soorath, and a short rendering of Poorya Dhanasri. Jilani said PNCA in its other regional offices would soon invite renowned classical singers to councils to train classical music lovers included students. “It would not only promote dying classical singing but also promote and revive different classical families like Patiala, Chaurasia and Gwalior and its members. – Daily Times
