''LEAVE ME ALONE,'' CRIETH HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC.

''LEAVE ME ALONE,'' CRIETH HINDUSTANI CLASSICAL MUSIC.

I fervently hope that these modern 'masters' of Hindustani classical music will not attempt changes to the traditional way of singing bandishes with the gayaki that allows not for clear diction such that the words are not well spelt out for clear understanding. To alter this unclear but beautiful style of semi-clarity will be to destroy the very delivery which is the essence of gayaki in terms of stylistic representation of the raag. Let these modern self-affirmed masters keep their counsel and not pass on garbage to their students in their much-publicised schools. May Hindustani classical music survive the onslaughts of these neo-seekers of fame and fortune and adhere to its age-old undying identity !

I shudder to contemplate the corrosive course that these modern 'masters' are leading their students to. Hindustani classical music will survive best if the great artistes of yesteryears are followed intelligently and undue changes not attempted at all to the grand art of singing the khayal. Creativity does not mean that one will change the basic elements of the art form. Creativity means that one will merely embellish it by bringing in individuality to one's style and leave it there. Let music survive these modern 'masters'.

Written by Sugata Bose

Photo : Khan Sahib Abdul Karim Khan, the legendary musician one may well follow leaving these modern 'masters'.