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From Begum Akhtar to Bhimsen Joshi, Enayat Khan to Ravi Shankar, Bismillah Khan to Vilayat Khan, Amjad Ali Khan to Kesarbai Kerkar, Indian classical music is as varied as it can be, from the pure traditional gharanas to more recent blends and fusions. Young sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan have grown up surrounded by music and musicians. In this tribute to the masters of Indian classical music, they take us through their encounters with fifty musicians from the twentieth century, from the instrumental to the vocal, exploring the world of both northern and southern Indian music. Filled with personal anecdote and musical appraisal, Fifty Great Recordings is an invaluable guide to the best of Indian classical music. Interspersed with some rare photographs from the authors’ personal collection as well as descriptions and details of every recording they have discussed, this book is an invaluable companion to the appreciation of Indian classical music. It is a keepsake for the connoisseur and a comprehensive introduction to the beginner. Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan, sons of sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, represent the seventh generation of the Senia Bangash school of music. They have performed at concerts and festivals around the world and have crossed the bridge between pure classical and western fusion with their electronica and lounge albums. They have collaborated with various artists like guitarist Derek Trucks and percussionist Evelyn Glennie among others. They have also written a biography of their father, Abba: God’s Greatest Gift to Us (2002).
'Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan have explored the panorama of Indian classical music through the expression of fifty of the most important artists on the Indian subcontinent. Through their depth of insight we understand how this art form has been influenced by the cultural and historical context of India going back to the time of the Mogul Emperor Akbar right up to contemporary times. If you want to understand the rich tapestry of the Indian artistic landscape and how it influenced an entire civilization. This book is a must read.'- Dr. Deepak Chopra
Released by Harper Collins, December 2009 |
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Ustad Amjad Ali Khan was felicitated by the Rector of the T.G. Shevchenko university with the Medal of Honour becomes the first and the only musician from Asia who has been awarded so far by this award. The Tara Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine presented the University Medal to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan for his great contribution in the field of world music and bringing a great level of cultural understanding between India and the rest of the world. Tara Shevchenko National University observed with great appreciation that the presence of Amjad Ali Khan will greatly strengthen the cultural relationship between India and Ukraine. Khan spoke eloquently during his speech with the students in the university and the kind of lec-dem was conducted with Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan coming together to articulate the specifics of the classical Indian music which is so uniquely different from the western music. The concert took placed at a sold out National Opera House in Kyiv.
The National Opera of Ukraine also presented a diploma to Amjad Ali Khan at the concert. December, 2009, Kyiv, Ukraine. |
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Amjad Ali Khan and Rahim AlHaj were honoured by the Recording Academy with a 2010 Grammy Nomination in the Best Traditional World Music Category for their CD Ancient Sound. December, 2009 |
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Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan present their book 50 Maestros 50 Recordings to the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil in presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
From left: Neema Ali Khan, Amaan Ali Khan, Smt. Pratibha Patil and Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, December 2009
To buy this book |
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Prime Minister Dr. Man Mohan Singh receives the first copy of the book 50 Maestros 50 Recordings, co-authered by Amaan Ali Khan (right) and Ayaan Ali Khan in presence of Ustad Amjad Ali Khan Dec 16, 2009 in New Delhi published by Harper Collins, December 2009
To buy this book |
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Khans after the concert in Berlin Dec 2009 |
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Sound Check, at Großer Sendesaal in Berlin Dec 2009 |
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Guitar Legend John McLaughlin receives the Haafiz Ali Khan Award 2009 presented by Amjad Ali Khan and Subhalakshmi Khan at Nehru Centre, Mumbai November 2009 |
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Ayaan Ali Khan and Amaan Ali Khan, present creations from designer Sanjana Jon`s Spring/Summer 2010 collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in New Delhi |
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Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan perform at Kings Place in London on Ayaan's birthday. September 2009 |
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BIG 92.7 FM launched a special campaign on Literacy Day with ‘Girl Child Education’ as the core thoughts. Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan to graced the occasion by handing over the cheques to some of the girls visiting us.
September 2009 |
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Amjad Ali Khan made his debut on the ramp on Day One of Kolkata Fashion Week II for designer Zubair Kirmani, along with Amaan Ali Khan and Ayaan Ali Khan. September 2009 |
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Amjad Ali Khan's Freedom concert tour in Australia had two concerts in Sydney and Perth. August 2009 |
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Skyline for Sarod and Chinese Orchestra
(World Premiere): Amjad Ali Khan performs Samagam, the Sarod Concerto with members of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra in Taipei conducted by Amy Chang at Zhongzheng Auditorium, Zhongshan Hall. May 2009 |
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Ancient Sounds
Indian sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan
and Iraqi oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj
come together to deliver a musical
dialogue of peace for our world.
| Tracks |
Duration |
| Journey |
12:11 |
| Celebrations |
10:34 |
| Water |
9:36 |
| Common destination |
7:55 |
| Release of the dove |
10:28 |
| Missing you |
4:19 |
| Dancing rivers |
17:12 |
Released by UR MUSIC 2009 |
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Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama (L), speaks with Indian musician Amjad Ali Khan (R) as Samdhong Rinpoche, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, watches during a prayer meeting at Gandhi Smriti, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi March 31, 2009. His Holiness along with a group of representative Indians prayed with various members from other religious faiths on the 50th anniversary of his setting foot on the Indian soil which was commemorated by the exile Tibetan government as “Thank you India day”.
Photograph Courtesy: Reuters |
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Amjad Ali Khan's Sarod Concerto Samagam had a six city tour starting in Mumbai on the 8th of February and had its finale concert in New Delhi on the 20th of February, 2009 |
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2009