Amjad pays tribute to Bhimsen Joshi, Tagore

BHOPAL - Saying he felt “deep sorrow” at the passing away of Bhimsen Joshi, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan paid the clasical vocalist a stirring musical tribute here. The evening also honoured Rabindranath Tagore, whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.

“I am in deep sorrow since Panditji (Bhimsen Joshi) has passed away and I dedicate this evening to him,” he said before beginning his presentation Sunday evening on the 29th foundation day of Bharat Bhavan - a centre for art and culture activities here.

The recital opened with a deeply moving rendition of “Vaishnav Jana To…” in ‘Rag Khamaj’. This was followed by the bhajan “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” in Rag Jayvanti.

After the bhajans, the Padma Vibhushan awardee, attired in a sky blue kurta, moved on to pure classical music and gave a sonorous presentation of Raga Shree: Alap-Jor-Jhala.

At the beginning of each raga, he outlined its melody, giving each phrase an individual character.

Before his last presentation he said: “It is the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, who had written several beautiful poems, so I am setting one of his poems to music.”

The music mesmerized the audience.

“It was just a small tribute to Gurudev (Tagore). Composing music for his poems is very satisfying experience for me,” Amjad told IANS after the performance.

Amjad, who is a native of Madhya Pradesh - he was born in Gwalior - regretted that the state government is not taking the help of artistes like him to promote classical music among youngsters.

He also said he wished to perform again in Bhopal.

“I had performed here long back, but seeing the people enjoy my music, I would love to come again soon and perform, not alone but with my two sons Aman and Ayaan,” he said.

Amjad was well-accompanied by Vijay Ghate on the tabla and Smita Nagdev on the tanpura.