Echoes of Music: A Journey Through Classical Music's Legacy Through Book Review of 'Master on Masters'

Photograph of the Book ' Master of Masters', Written by Amjad Ali Khan. Photograph Taken from Google Books

Dear Readers,

Like so many of us, I've long been drawn to the power and profundity of classical music. Perhaps it's something inherited, a quiet echo from my own father. While I don't recall the specifics of his vocal training, I do remember him humming old tunes, a certain fondness for classical melodies that seemed to run in his veins. There were even stories, from the '60s or '70s, of him singing on the radio – a legacy that, in its own way, found its path to me when I drew my first breath in the '80s.

Classical music, in its very essence, has always had a way of reaching us, touching our hearts, offering a moment of peace, a sense of calm, even pure joy. For me, it's more than just sound; it's the song of one soul resonating with another, a language understood beyond words. And in an age where we're constantly uncovering new insights, it's fascinating to consider the research suggesting its ability to stir even the inanimate. It reminds us of the sheer wonder a sound, properly delivered with rhythm and grace can achieve.

My own knowledge of classical music's rich history may not be exhaustive, but my childhood was filled with the sounds of great musicians: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Jasraj, Kesarbai Kerkar, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Shiv Kumar Sharma and so many more whose artistry shaped the soundscape of a nation.

Among these titans, Ustad Bismillah Khan holds a truly special place in my heart. It's not just my admiration for the shehnai, but the way he played it, the way he embodied it. He wasn't merely a musician; he was an architect of sound, a virtuoso who elevated an instrument and in doing so, enriched the soul of a people. He remains, for me, one of the finest classical artists I've ever had the privilege to hear.

Born in Dumraon, Bihar, a town once vibrant and prosperous, Bismillah Khan's roots were deeply embedded in a place where the shehnai’s essential reed, the narkat, grew wild. It’s a testament to his legacy that even today, his successors are said to return to Dumraon, seeking out those very reeds, a connection to the source of such extraordinary artistry.

It was under the guidance of his guru, Ali Bux, that Bismillah Khan's perspective broadened, his understanding of life deepened. He embraced a larger vision, revering Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of Learning, and embodying a profound acceptance that the path to the divine can manifest in many forms. This open-hearted approach, almost Sufi in its character, never conflicted with his duties as a Shia Muslim. Indeed, in times of national need for a voice of unity, Bismillah Khan was often that voice, a powerful symbol of our shared humanity.

This brings me to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan's remarkable book, 'Master on Masters'. It's a truly extraordinary work, a window into the lives and legacies of musicians whose brilliance transcends generations. Their profound love for classical music has laid and will continue to lay, the foundation for all who follow. These melodies, these artists are not to be forgotten; their contributions will illuminate the path for countless generations to come.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan himself, a maestro of the Sarod commands immense respect across the globe and is an artist I deeply admire. His book not only provides intricate details about these classical luminaries but also shines a light on those, whose names will forever twinkle like stars in the sky of Indian Classical Music.

If I were to weigh this book, to gauge its impact on a scale of one to ten, I would without hesitation give it a nine.

(A note: These thoughts are my own reflections, shaped by my reading. I encourage you to read the book and form your own conclusions. Your insights are always welcome.)

That's all for now. I hope these reflections have offered some food for thought. Please feel free to share your perspectives on 'Master on Masters' by Amjad Ali Khan.

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Thanks and regards,

Mainak Majumdar, Book Critic

Email: mainakkmajumdar@yahoo.com & majumdar@majumdarbookreviews.asia