Classical Instrumental
Music Artists in India
ADITI SARAWAGI
India is a culture diverse country and each region
has its own different genre of music. Classical music
has a rich background in the country and there are
some stalwarts who play instruments so well, it leaves
the listener mesmerized. Here are some artists who
have revolutionized instrumental music in India
and have a global following in the music arena.
The first name which comes to mind has to be that of
sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan. Awarded with
the Padma Vibhushan for his exemplary work, he has
performed all over the world and is known as the Sarod
Samrat. His sons. Amaan and Ayaan carry on their father’s
legacy and are acclaimed artists in the same space. Ustad
Amjad is credited with writing several ragas as well.
Another stalwart, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma is famous
for playing the classical instrument santoor. He is solely
credited with making the santoor be known as a classical
instrument with his hard work and dedication towards
it. He has collaborated with the likes of Zakir Huss ain
and Hariprasad Chaurasia and has also composed music
for several films. He is also the recipient of many awards
like the Padmashree and the Padma Vibhushan.
Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in a family
of musicians and played the shehnai. He performed at the
Red Fort on the eve of India's Independence in 1947 and
also performed on the eve of India's first Republic Day
ceremony in 1950. He was a global artist and forms an
integral part of Indian classical music history. When talking
about classical music, one cannot forget the contribution of
Pandit Ravi Shankar and his brilliant sitar rendition. He
has collaborated with many notable musicians, including
George Harrison and Philip Glass and even the famous
band ‘The Beatles’, popularizing the sitar to a greater
extent. He has also been honoured with three highest
Indian civilian awards. His daughters Anoushka Shankar
and Norah Jones also excel in the field of music today.
The tabla maestro of the country is undeniably Ustad
Zakir Hussain who plays exemplary table and performs
across the world creating brilliant works of fusion. He
has contributed immensely towards popularising this
percussion instrument and he has won several accolades
for it. He is the son of famous tabla player Ustad Allarakha
Qureshi popularly known as Alla Rakha who himself was
an Indian tabla player specializing in Hindustani Classical
music. He frequently accompanied Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Hariprasad Chaurasia is an eminent Indian flute player
and is counted amongst the greateast flute players in the
world. He was also featured in one of the singles of The
Beatles. He has been honoured with many prestigious
awards including the Padma Vibhushan for his contribution
to the world of arts. L. Subramaniam is India’s violin
icon as is also known as the God of Indian Violin. A child
prodigy, he has conducted almost two hundred recordings.
He has also composed music for few films and is a master
of several genres like jazz and even Carnatic music. He
has a master’s degree in Western Classical Music and
is the creator of the Global Music concept as well.
Indian classical music is loved and appreciated across
the world and showcases the rick heritage of our
country and its diverse nature. India has produced
some amazing artists in all fields and this list is by no
means exhaustive. There resides a true talent in every
genre of music and they are at par with the best in the
world. Classical music is a true representation of Indian
artistry and these musicians make the country proud.
The
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