The pioneers of Indian classical music
Listen to these classical musicians and be ready to be blown away
Among India’s rich and diverse tradition of various classical art forms are the Indian classical music of which Mian Tansen is considered to be a pioneer. While he was one of the nine jewels in the court of Akbar, India has produced its own gem of Indian classical musicians famous worldwide.
- S. Subbulakshmi
At the age of only 13, this legendary Carnatic musician gave her first performance leaving the audience stunned. Popularly known as the Nightingale of India, she is known for her devotional –bhajan- songs that are said to transport the listener to another world. This veteran classical singer is the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
Pt. Ravi Shankar
Admired by his students, the rock group The Byrds and George Harrison of The Beatles, Shankar is a pioneer in making Indian classical music famous abroad. One of the best-known sitar players, the musician has had an invaluable contribution to Indian classical music and his music always had a global impact. From being bestowed India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna; to winning three Grammy awards, Shankar has many accolades to his name.
Pt. Shivkumar Sharma
He is known to have made the Indian classical instrument Santoor famous worldwide with his humble renditions.With the depth and a unique charm to his music, Sharma is known for his contribution to Indian cinema. His compositions for Silsila and Chandni with flutist Hariprasad Chaurasiya is loved even today. He is the recipient of Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan among accolades from around the world.
Hariprasad Chaurasiya
Indian classical bamboo flutist or bansuri, has been playing magic since the age of 15. Born to a wrestler, the legendary musician secretly took classical vocal music lessons from his neighbour. But upon meeting flutist Pandit Bholanath Prasanna of Varanasi, Chaurasiya learned flute under his guidance. He is a recipient of Padma Shree and Padma Vibushan.
Ustad Zakir Hussain
Apart from being a tabla virtuoso, he is a composer, percussionist, and music producer. Having learned tabla from his father and mentor the legendary Ustad Allah Rakha, Zakir Hussain gave his first tour at the age of seven. The Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree recipient, he has collaborated with many artists including western pioneers.
UstadBismillah Khan
One of the most prolific shehnai players, he made shehnai popular and is an iconic figure in the scene of Indian classical music as he played at India’s first Independence and Republic Day. He is said to have grasped the essence of Indian culture through his soulful play of shehnai.
The notes, twists and turns in their classical notes are so exceptional that It is an absolute bliss to listen to each one of them.
