Lost in melody and memory of Ravi Shankar

A sitar trio’s performance and the maestro’s work revisited.

ISLAMABAD: With tears trickling down, some found solace in the balmy melody of the legendary maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar at Kuch Khaas on Friday. A trio of sitar players strung together some of his acclaimed works in a cozy atmosphere.

Shabih Sen, his elder brother Ustad Waji Al Husnain and Amir Hussain played in harmony. Sen effortlessly captivated the audience the moment he began playing. To start off with “Raag Pahari” followed by a Bengali folk composition was indeed a delightful decision.

Husnain moved his rhythm with classical ease. With Ajmal Khan on the tabla, the duet was transporting, to say the least. The combination of the beats of the tabla and simultaneous strumming of the sitar provided a refreshing retreat.



Some foreigners in the audience seemed engrossed and were moved to tears. “I’m an ardent fan of classical music and have my own collection. I am very glad we have such events more frequently in a city like Islamabad now. We must promote our musicians and talent as much as we can,” said Sabina Bukhari, a housewife. Moving on, with the last performance, Jalal’s performance reached a crescendo as he played more upbeat pieces by Shankar. He was accompanied by Ustad Nemat Ali and together they weaved  a mystical experience, calming to the senses.

Jalal’s selection of compositions was faster, lifting the mellow mood and ending the evening on a pleasant note.

“After a long week at work, this night was more relaxing than any spa. These performances have relaxed my nerves,” said 28-year-old Aliya Khan. The concert that was arranged by the Institute for Preservation of Art and Culture, was the seventh event in the ‘Instrumental ecstasy’ concert series.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th, 2013.