What's Hindustani music?
Hindustani music is one of two major forms of classical or art music found in India today, typically finding its representation across the North of India as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the other major form Carnatic music being represented across the South and Sri Lanka. Khayal is one of the primary subgenres of Hindustani vocal music. It represents a confluence of older musical traditions such as Prabandha, Dhrupada, and Qawwali. It developed an identity of its own in the royal courts of India, beginning with the Delhi Sultanate, and culminating at the courts of the Gaekwad kings of Baroda. It is primarily an improvised form, with the song-text providing a basis for spontaneous musical creation within the grammar of the raga (melodic form) and tala (rhythmic cycle). In modern times, Khayal has continued to evolve as one of the many living Indian performing art traditions practiced today.
What will be presented today?
Khayal | Raga Jaijaivanti
Raga Jaijaivanti is a popular raga with complex features. There are two common versions of this raga. The one I will present is the variety which includes a shade of another raga called 'Des'. The note 'Re' is highlighted in this raga. It is a raga that can explore many facets of human emotion, leaving a large canvas for the artist to paint on.
Song-Text #1: Ali Piya | Vilambit Jhaptala (slow-paced 10-beat rhythmic cycle) | Ustad Alladiya Khan
Meaning: I am filled with happiness because the god Krishna, who bestows freedom and is as sweet as honey, has shared his grace upon me.
Upon your blessings I'm able to move forward. My eyes gazing upon you brings me bliss.
Song-Text #2: Ghara Avo Sajanava | Madhyalaya Ektala (medium-paced 12-beat rhythmic cycle) | Akhil Jobanputra
Meaning: Come home my beloved. My heart yearns for you. Give me the opportunity to see you. Please listen to my plea.
I am in agony longing for you. My heart is disconsolate. The days and nights go by as the clock ticks away. Give me the opportunity to see you. Please listen to my plea.
Khayal | Raga Adana
Raga Adana is a strong raga that prefers to be explored in the upper range. Its sequences are often fast. Adana belongs to the 'Kanada' family of ragas. Common themes explored in the repertoire of this raga are those of war, power, and celebration. The compositions I will sing show two different pictures of this raga in terms of both lyrical as well as musical content.
Song-Text #1: Mundari Mori Kahe | Madhyalaya Tintala (medium-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Ustad Ramzan Khan 'Rangile'
Meaning: Why has the mischievous one pulled my bracelet off my wrist? What have I done to have caused you to do this?
Don't show these colourful hues of pride. Listen to what I'm telling you.
Song-Text #2: Aye More Darbara | Drut Tintala (fast-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit Ram Marathe
Meaning: Come to my court of nobles, Tansen and Baiju Bawra (legendary figures of the Hindustani music tradition)!
At this auspicious day and hour the (musically) learned folk gather. They shower upon us the colours of the seven musical notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni).