The Harmony of Sound

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, One of the Greatest Sarod Players and Composers in the Sub-continent, Talks About His Musical and Spiritual Journey. Come Along! 
 

- Abhilasha Sihag

Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us about your initiation into the world of music and the sarod.

There was no “a particular day” or formal initiation. Music had always been a part of our family. There was no question of a life outside music for my father, Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan. He inherited this legacy from his father and I inherited it from him. My first recital was at the age of six. I have experienced ecstasy, peace, tranquility, harmony, satisfaction and joy through various melodies, rhythms and ragas. The reactions to music kept changing according to my age and experience.

You learned music under the tutelage of your father, Ustad Haafiz Ali Khan. How different were his teaching methods to the ones prevalent today?

In Hindustani classical music, gurus have mostly taught through ‘oral’ lessons. There are no written scores. Of course, some gharanas may have written scores but mostly disciples are taught through oral lessons. This tradition is being followed since time immemorial as it would be very difficult to record and interpret subtle nuances on paper. However, when you compare this with western classical music, it is very different. There, a composer scores a composition which is read and sung or played by vocalists or musicians. There is no instant coffee culture when it comes to learning classical music. Nor is there any scope for digital correction.

Unlike a singer, who expresses his emotions through words, is it more difficult to emote through an instrument?

Musicians and listeners have been communicating with each other through a musical ‘language’ which is not bound by any words. Music knows no barriers.

The musician and his instrument are an extension of each other. Please tell us about your connection with the sarod.