26 Sep 2013, Amritapuri – Amritavarsham60
After the rocking performance of Eric Wainaina with Kenyan Music, air was once again filled with sparkling melodies, this time through the talent of Pandit Nayan Ghosh, the esteemed Sitar player. Pandit Ghosh, with his enchanting performance on Sitar, as a musical offering to Amma, added the charm to the divinity in Amritapuri. His Sitar recitals sparkle with intense melodiousness and rich delineations, bringing out depth and true spirit of the raga. The judicious balance of Sitar and Tabla revealed both complement and competition.
Born in 1956 in Mumbai, Nayan Ghosh is acclaimed in India and around the world as one of India’s foremost musicians, with an unusual dimension- the only maestro with superlative command on two diverse instruments, the Sitar and Tabla. As a highly respected guru and a world class performer, his contributions to bring out the true essence and soul of Indian music were priceless.
Son and disciple of the 20th century legendary Tabla Maestro Padma Bhushan Pandit Nikhil Ghosh and nephew of Shri Pannalal Ghosh, known as “Father of Hindustani Flute”( a famous Bansuri player and composer), Nayan Ghosh has inherited rich legacy from his ancestors and carries its dignity and grace that is rare.
Even while adjusting the tuning, or playing a particular note, there was care, thought and intense dedication. But the most stunning part of the performance came when he started to sing, along with playing the Sitar, and what a surprise it was! An emotional rendering of a piece on Lord Shiva, in the Hindustani style, in the Kanada raaga. The balance of song and instrument showed that he was truly aware of the beauty and uniqueness of each note. His voice reflected the diverse styles of Farrukhabad, Delhi, Ajrada and Lucknow. It was hard to not appreciate and laud the performance of such a musician.
. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, filled with gentle sounds of the Sitar against the beat of the Tabla. The tempo rose and fell, and along with it, the emotions and the feel of the entire hall.
When the performance ended, it left the audience with more than just a magical experience. Pandit Ghosh’s performance reminded us that music is one of the most spiritual ways to express one’s love for the Almighty, and for one’s guru, as shown by his last rendering of a guru bhakti number. Amritapuri was truly blessed to have such a artiste gracing the festivities.
– Varsha Suresh Kumar