Captivating Sitar, Shehnai recitals

Karachi
Friday evening saw some real nostalgic and captivating videos of the two late maestros Ustad Wilayat Khan and Ustad Bismillah Khan, courtesy the Alliance Francais, Karachi.
The first video depicted Ustad Wilayat on the Sitar, accompanied on the Tabla by Ustad Sabir Khan.
The maestro played a lot of variations on Raag Hameer. The joyful and vibrant strains alternated with the lilting, melancholy ones. Then again, at certain junctures, it sounded like a meditation.
What was most noteworthy was that the lengthy performance which held the music fans spellbound, given the versatility of the maestro. The maestro interpreted all the junctures of the tune with utter clarity so much so that almost every note “spoke” and seemed to have a message to convey.
This was followed by another video depicting the elderly Shahnail maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan on the Shehnai, accompanied by Dr Rajan on the violin. His perfect breath control and his robust pair of lungs really seemed to belie the years he had to his credit. He was accompanied on the violin by Dr Rajan.
Even though the violin is a totally western instrument but here it seemed to blend so happily with the Sitar, an instrument totally eastern in its syntax.
Dr Rajan played the instrument in a really vibrant way and she seems to have really mastered the art of handling the bow. They both played Raag Yaman which really enthralled the fans.
By and large, it was a real treat for the Sub-Continental music buffs in town and jean Chennin, Director, Alliance Francais, deserves ample credit for the show.—Anil Datta