TV has 'corrupted' the way music is enjoyed: Amjad Ali Khan
Bangalore, Mar 1 (UNI) Lamenting that the advent of television has 'corrupted' the way music is enjoyed, Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan today said people cannot enjoy music by ''listening through eyes'', but should involve themselves by sitting in a concert and hearing through their ears to fully enjoy it.
''It has been a struggle for Indian classical music after the flooding of dozens of TV channels. An Amjad Ali Khan is now left alone with a challenge to fight 200 channels. It is only a live concert which can provide the true flavour of classical music,'' the maestro said.
Speaking to mediapersons on the eve of his concert with tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain in the city, he said any appealing music should be heard and loved. Western music should be enjoyed by all, but its total embrace, like some people of the new generation had done, might not go well with the country's culture. ''I don't hold anything against Western music. Be it Staccato or Hindustani, both gives tranquility. But what we need is a fine balance. Our country is known for its classical music, dance and social values. It is our duty to keep this flag flying at any cost,'' he urged.
The
celebrated
musician
said
classical
music
was
not
just
a
profession
for
him,
but
a
passion
and
style.
''This
is
like
an
elephant
walk
and
not
like
a
horse
or
donkey
race.
It
is
slow,
but
very
gracious.
I
tell
my
sons
Aman
and
Ayan
that
it
is
a
very
long
journey
which
lasts
for
decades
to
master
classical
music.
I
am
happy
that
they
are
committed
and
progressing
satisfactorily.
I
always
remember
what
my
father
believed
in
-
'Swar
hi
Ishwar
hai'.''
Heaping
praise
on
Ustad
Hussain,
he
said
Zakir
Hussain
was
not
just
a
tabla
maestro,
but
a
multi-dimensional
musician.
''We
never
rehearse
before
a
concert.
Music
comes
spontaneously
to
us.''
UNI