A look at some of the legends who have taken Indian classical music to a glorious level.
"Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen.
'Magic' is the word that comes in our mind when we try to describe the Indian classical music. This form of music is unique, diverse and at the same time, soothing to the core. It comprises of two major traditions: Hindustani which is the classical music tradition in North India, and Carnatic which is the classical music expression in South India. The soil of this country has given birth to a number of musicians whose contribution to the world of Indian classical music is truly immeasurable. Their creations offer solace to the heart and eventually connect us to the nirvana.
Tansen, one of the Navaratnas in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, is regarded as a pioneer in the Hindustani tradition of Indian classical music. Aside from his god gifted vocal, Tansen is also revered for creating various raga and Dhrupad compositions.
Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian classical musician who popularized Shehnai across the world. His musical renditions still get played at the marriage ceremonies. He performed numerous solo concerts and even contributed to the movies.
One of the most celebrated classical musicians ever in India, Pandit Ravi Shankar was a genius Sitar player who performed across the globe. He popularized Indian music in the west through associating with The Beatles. Shankar even composed music for movies, most notably the 'Apu Trilogy'.
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan was another world famous Indian classical musician who mastered in playing Sarode. He got training under his father Allauddin Khan and went on to associate with several legendary musicians, including Ravi Shankar. He performed a number of concerts and even started teaching music in the west.
Hariprasad Chaurasia learned flute under Pandit Bholanath Prasanna and became one of the most notable musicians of all time. He is an internationally acclaimed flautist credited for making Indian classical music popular among the masses
M. S. Subbulakshmi is considered as a prominent figure in the Carnatic tradition of Indian classical music. She was an absolutely flawless singer whose voice could soothe millions of hearts across the world. Subbulakshmi was the first Indian musician to perform at United Nations General Assembly.
Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma is widely recognized as the maestro who has single-handedly made Santoor a popular instrument in classical music. Recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Sharma has also composed music in popular Hindi movies.
Some other renowned Indian classical musicians of all time are Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Amir Khan, Dr. Balamuralikrishna, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Ram Narayan, Ramnad V. Raghavan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and others.
