Homage to the greatest ever Hindustani Vocalist
RASHID KHAN
takes a front seat . Rashid Khan has set an example for this toughest aspect in the life of any artist .
To be an accomplished classical singer , the dynamics become the most aspect of performance . Singing high pitch effortlessly along with the low range is not a one day hardwork task . Once such amazing Hindustani Classical singer we lost this year is Ustad Rashid Khan . Well , he is called Ustad for not just one reason , but for multiple reasons . Score offers deepest condolences to the legendary vocalist and his music will live on forever .
What is so special about Rashid Khan ’ s lilting voice ?
Many Hindustani male singers are extremely talented and bring about the nuances of a raaga effortlessly . However , at some pitch ( whether high or low ), the struggle to be melodious sounds obvious to the listeners . But Rashid Khan ’ s singing is like a flow of the river and by singing melodiously without breaking the rules of Classical Music is the most original aspect of the legendary singer . The moment he starts out with aalap of a cheerful raaga such as Bilaval or a raaga of sadness such as Darbari Kaanada or Bilashkhani Todi , the focus , dynamics and most importantly the effortlessness just like the flow of a river .
Rashid Khan ’ s mystical adaptability to each music composition such as a bandish , taraana or abhang is an inspiration to global Hindustani Classical singers . When he was on stage , the entire stage listens to him with rapt attention . He used to take the audience along with him to unknown realms of Hindustani Classical raaga and making the concert an unforgettable experience .
When Rashid Khan opens up the concert with a challenging raag such as Marwa , there was no hint of struggle or pressure in his voice . With tremendous range , accurate diction of lyrics and collaborating with his co- instrumentalists on stage used to show the brilliance of humanity in him . After all , before becoming an vocalist , the principles and etiquette
The maestro ’ s openness in music being a global phenomenon is another greatest aspect . Despite being open to all forms of genres including film music , he stayed true to Hindustani Classical Music till his last breath . His Druth Khayal “ Albela Sajan Aao Re ” in the mesmerizing raag Aahir Bhairav can be heard in loop all day long . He also had some excellent collaborations with lilting vocalist Hariharan . Nobody can forget this suave jugalbandi “ Yaad Piya Ki Aaye ” and “ Aaoge Saajna ” can melt a rock into a river .
Rashid Khan ’ s voice was not sharp or high in volume . He used to sing pleasantly with silken softness in his vocal styling and yet the sur he holds with will-power is utmost aesthetic aspect . By being a maverick when it comes to Hindustani Classical Music , he broke many misconceptions such as a male Hindustani singer should sound loud and redefined the word masculinity when it comes to music .
It is a greatest loss to the world of Hindustani Music because of Rashid Khan ’ s demise and Score pays its heartful condolences to his family and the person may not be alive , but his compositions and tremendous contribution to the world of Hindustani music will always be remembered .
The Score
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