Chandigarh, November 29 : Pracheen Kala Kendra organised a special programme this evening featuring Tabla solo and Ghazals by Delhi-based brother duo Amjad Khan and Kashif Ahmed respectively at Punjab Kala Bhawan.The programme began with Tabla solo by young exponent of Delhi Gharana – Amjad Khan. He started with traditional starting point Peshkar, set to vilambit teen taal. Peshkar gradually expanded and unfolded introducing the listener to a wider range of phrases and sounds. He then moved on to present Qayida which is considered the most important form because of its great potential for elaboration. It was followed by a sequence of improvised variations known as Palta played according to set rules. He showed his skill in reaching the ‘sam’ with ‘tihais’ and built the needed rapport with the audience.
Then he moved on to Drut teen taal in which he played ‘uthaan’ and ‘gats’ showing different kinds of layakaris while unfolding mukhre and mohre in this piece. Amjad possesses a very crisp and clear hand. He reflected restlessness of spirit, dexterity of hand, a mathematically precise approach, artistic endurance, appealing and captivating the masses instantaneously. He then came with different relas. Clarity of presenting bols and layakaris even of the difficult kind of tukre marked the presentation of his recital which spoke of his standing in the field of tabla playing. He concluded his recital presenting chakardar paran and different tihais amidst applause. He was accompanied by Mohd. Umar on the Nagma (Harmonium).
Kashif Ahmed then took the centre stage to present his ghazals. A noted ghazal singer in his own right, Kashif Ahmed belongs to a family of musicians of Delhi Gharana. He is gifted with melodious voice and has given several successful concerts throughout India. Beginning with “Tuth jaaye na bharam…”, he moved on to present “Pyar bhare do sharmeele nain” penned by Azim sahib and Ahmed Faraz respectively. His rendition of ghazals was marked by the intricacies of classical notations with confidence and tuneful flexibility of voice.
Shafakat’s bandish “Chain tumse, karar tumse” kept the audience spell-bound. He then moved on to present Nasir Qazmi’s composition “Dil mein ek lehar si…” Being equally attentive towards the rhythm and technical virtuosity of the ghazals, he used the difficult taalas to enhance the effect of his music. To make it touchier he used the musical ornaments like meend, murki, khatkaa and gamak.
In the concluding Sufi Kalam “Ye jo halka halka suroor…”, Kashif drew rich applause. Even in the higher reaches, his voice retained its sonority and control.
He was accompanied by Mohd Salil (Tabla), Siraj Khan (Mandolin), Mohd. Umar (Harmonium) and Goldy (Guitar).