Raga Megh with Love from Canada
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- Опубліковано 7 бер 2016
- In the first light of dawn, it is snowing; like a thousand plum blossom petals on pilgrimage from the first brave tree to bloom in early spring.
It is a seductive and teasing time; a blanket of white collects under grey morning sky and then melts under the surprise of afternoon sun. Buds begin to swell in anticipation, and the geese return home, as the cycle of freeze and thaw starts once more.
Here in Canada, where lines of culture can become fluid and flow into streams of new meaning, there is a house that evokes the feeling of a Japanese minka. Painted on a scroll above the sitar player are the running forms of Japanese villagers, escaping the rains. The ancient Indian Raga of storm clouds and monsoon crystallizes as snow that is swept clean from the stepping stones that lead out to a tea garden.
The musician is joined in his early morning riyaz by his friend, and tea is poured. Just inside the doorway is the scroll of the plum tree, and in the practice room, the scroll of the winter pine. Soon there will be a changing of the guard. As the music begins to intensify, the spring melt begins and the emerald moss is revealed under the rush of water through the rain chains.
The colour palette shifts from the cold blue of outdoor scenes, to a warm and golden interior. The birds featured are Canadian geese, chickadees, cardinals, house finches, and a downy woodpecker.
Thank you to Eric for the lovely black tea cups, to Koji Matsukawa for the rain scene scroll, and Koji Matsukawa for the pine scroll.
- Miranda Stone
Raga Megh is traditionally played to evoke feelings associated with the rainy season in South Asia and the ominous dark clouds that hang over the sweating earth like a Finnish mother hovering over the hot stones of a sauna with a pail of water.
My first meaningful encounter with Indian classical music took place on a field trip from my boarding school to see Pandit Ravi Shankar perform in 1986. I had only just begun studying sitar in India with my first guru, Ajit Singh. Some months before Ravi Shankar’s performance, I remember Mr. Singh coming into class with a pronounced expression of sorrow on his face. He announced that we would not touch our instruments for two weeks. When we inquired why, he said that a great master of the sitar had unexpectedly passed away while still in his prime. The sitar player was Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, whose 30th death anniversary was remembered this year (2016) on January 27th. He died at the age of 54. Sadly, despite the imposed fast from sitar, I did not properly grasp who he was, and it was only eight years later, while continuing my sitar studies in Lucknow at Bhaathkhande Music College that I first encountered his playing on a cassette recording of raga Megh and raga Sohini which I found in a music store in Hazratganj. The lyrical style and devotional mood, coupled with the fiery spontaneity of his improvisation fed my love for Indian music in a completely new way.
Now, thirty years later, here is my attempt to perform the piece, like a student of western classical music performing a piece by Beethoven. For me it is one necessary step along the way to improvising freely in raga Megh and the 10-beat time cycle called Jhaptal. For those unfamiliar with the original recording, I hope my rendition leads them to the source. And for those who know the original recording well, I hope this film will bring Nikhil Banerjee’s music to life again in your heart, perhaps this time amidst snow and the singing and dancing of birds.
- Christopher Dicran Hale
christopherhalesitar@gmail.com
chrisdhale@gmail.com
It is a exact copy of Pt Nikhil Banerjees Megh..very well done.
Very closed jawari. Doesn't drown out sympatetic strings. I like the effect. Beautifully narrated rain.Thank you Sir.
Perfect, thank you!
पाश्चात्य लोकांना भारतीय संगीत आणि वाद्या बद्दल किती आवड आहे ते ह्या सतार वादनातुन् कळते.
bahut bahut dhanyabad mere dost!
Sitar is also played in the tantra ang which is full of plucking strings like the piano. There is are no meends or long drawn passages as in the gayaki ang or the style of playing closest to the human voice. In my opinion, the tantra ang cannot bring the full beauty and emotion f Hindustani Ragas. Hale plays in the gayaki ang, which is the only style I like. It is close to the human beings. It is poignant and draws out the heart more than the ears.
The gayaki ang concept is so difficult for westerners to empathize with. I am amazed how Hale has mastered it. Well done !!
The videography and direction is compelling and matches the mood of the Raga so well. The Birds are a touch of genius to back the spirit of the Malhar Ragas especially Megh.
Could Hale consider other Ragas such as Durga, Miyan ki Todi, Jhinjhoti and so on.
Wonderful Megh from icy Canada.
Thanks so much Ramesh for such a detailed comment!
Whah ..kya bhat
Love from India ( Maharashtra) Nasik
Thanks so much Sandesh! I have been to Nasik and performed there in 2012! Beautiful town!
You know what, many indians have lost intrest in indian music. But you, being a canadian, you play Sitar sooo well and am impressed with Raag Megh.
Thank you! My own experience is that there has been a real revival of interest in Indian classical music among young people in India (obviously not the majority), and there are many incredible young artists arising there who are inspiring to listen to, such as Purbayan Chatterjee and Niladri Kumar.
Namaste brother, this is truly amazing ! I It's the best performance from a non indian player that i have seen. Thank you :)
I agree ..incredible.
I would also recommend carsten Wicke.
He is a german veena player,very authentic and pure classical (druphad form I thnk ) .
nice one!
Very well played. The raag's spiritual dimension is also evident. God bless.
Thanks so much for that Himadri. The spiritual dimension is such an integral part of music and life!
Simply beautiful - the music, narrative and the visualls! And so very evocative with deft use of the kharaj or base strings strings as well! And, what an apt tribute to the great Pandit Nikhil Banerjee! I feel moved to have discovered a worthy disciple of Panditji's music. Pandit Christopher Hale - my heartfelt salutations to you. This recording was 8 years ago. I look forward to more in times ahead.
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much Vasudev ji. The journey since 8 years ago has been to find my own voice in this music. It is lifelong journey. I tried with the Pilu recording from the live concert that I recently uploaded. I thank God that this music is so difficult as it gives me something to keep my mind occupied and my soul humble for the rest of my life.
@@SitarToronto You have found your voice in this music. And, it is authentic! You are humble too. May the Almighty's grace be ever upon you !
Very beautiful. Megh has such a special feeling to it.. very satisfied yet waiting. Great depth in the preformance and a calming nice video.Thank you!
This sitar playing foreigner has shown how nicely they have masterd the art of Indian instrument.Hats off.
If I listen to this marvellous play by shutting my eyes it exactly echoes to Pt Nikhil Banerjee.
Thanks so much Barikana!
Snow, carpets, teatime, indian classical music! Best combination ever!!
This was a really great performance. Meends and chalan really good. Reminded be exactly of Pt. himself!
Excellent comparison of Raag Megh with snow falling . It is a real beauty to see the snow falling especially for someone living in Chennai India the ever hot city .
Salaams
God Bless
Great Music, great performance of two good musicians! Greetings from Austria!
Thanks so much Perry ! Great to hear from Austria!
class Cristopher. This was somewhat close to Nikhil da's style of playing. I have been listening to the great maestro for about 7 Years now. He was truly blessed by Lordess Saraswati. The entire melodious swraras at his disposal
Kewl
Pleasant.
Thank you!
very groovy and awesome tonality in the sitar playing! respectfully from India.
my favorite Nikil banerjee composition ! nice !
Sitar is my most favourable musical instrument ever since I handled consciousness. Have gone through your self introduction and I would say that over the years, you have mastered the instrument very well. You have almost copied the raag as played by the late Shri Nikhil ji. Well done and best wishes
Thanks so much Padmaraj. It's now made it very difficult for me to pay this raga in my own way, as I have fallen so much in love with the phrases by Nikhilda. One day though, I hope to make it my own.
कडक भाऊ ❤️👌
Dhanyavad Sandesh!
Well played Chris! Really impressive and superbly matched to Nikhil Banerjee's rendition of Megh.
Thank you so much. It is not typical to the study of N. Indian classical music to first notate and learn someone else's improvisation in this manner, but I found it helpful on my own journey of learning to improvise. I am still finding my own voice with this raag, many years later, after having understood a little of the musical genius of Nikhil Dada when I worked on this. When you delve into someone else's playing to this extent, it can make it difficult to enjoy your own improvisation. Yet, also it is an invitation to come out of my own improvisational ruts and habits, and strive for something higher.
such Melody❤ love your work , sir
So wonderful. Lost for words.
Outstanding performance, peace and love oozing out from sitar and environment also
Awesome.Love from Austria Vienna
Love the video! Helps that this raga is one of my favorites.
Very fine music.
Beautiful !
Thank you Nand Prakash ji!
Just awesome!! Too good!!
Thank you Rajat ji!
Peace & Love from Belgium
Hello Christopher I Hard your Raga Megh, you Really played so Beautifully And Also you Have Such a Good feeling for Indian Music thats Very Important. God Bless you.
Thanks so much Roshan!
Very nice playing.proud you and your playing..Indian raga megh .
very very very great sir
Your respect and reverence for the music are evident - PNB was unique and special in a way that nobody else has been able to really copy - but your effort shows your high regard and seriousness. It would be wonderful if some of the others who throw his name around in YT, did what they did as seriously as you do. Yes Antar I speak of you.
you are an awesome musician.Lots of love from india.
Great piece of work...lots of love and admirations ...god bless
Merci de mtl, Christopher, le tout est juste sublime, et je suis perfectionniste.
Found you accidentally while searching for MORE of Chhaya Nat...but liked the Megh immensely....the introduction in first 2/3 minutes was immaculate...Will visit your channel for more....
Thanks so much Vinayak! I'm glad you found the site through your search of Chaaya Nat. It is one of my favourite raags, full of peace!
Nice dir❤
Beautiful. Thank you
Thanks Jay!
Beautiful play and equally beautifully written described...
Really loved the piece specially it being begining of the rainy season hear
Excellent
God Bless
Thanks please
Very nice ...
Lovely music with lovely natural scenery. Thanks for both the artists.
Great Performance Christopher Hale. In this season of Snow and Cold weather you are playing Raga Megh is a big one. You must be Student of Pandit Nikhil Banerjee because the style of your play resembles Panditji. This you played 4 years ago, I want to hear a recent of yours.
Thanks so much, Mukul! My most recent performance is Rageshree (2019 Toronto). My guru is Partha Chatterjee, and he was a disciple of Pandit Nikhil Banerjee.
Great presentation
Wonderful
very nice tune.
Beautiful and inspiring. I've been playing for a few years now and have been thinking about posting videos..
Excellent
very nice... :)
EXCELLENT
Thank you!
Very nice
The nikhil banerjee influence is visible. Great rendition.
Hi Aryan! Thank you so much for your kind complement! As I have written in the description, "Here is my attempt to perform the piece (by Nikhil Banerjee), like a student of western classical music performing a piece by Beethoven. For me it is one necessary step along the way to improvising freely in raga Megh and the 10-beat time cycle called Jhaptal."
It represents cloud/ Thanderstorm...
Superb performance by both the artists. Keep it up !!!
Thank you Ravi!
Respectfully from India
Beautiful music! I also jam while my wife cleans.
Well, in this case she was cleaning AND filming the video at the same time!
Haha You are blessed! Hope you are both safe and sound amidst the bug going around.
All the best, love your personal stuff and your music with Aradhna
@@IpCrackle get in touch with me at chrisdhale at gmail.com and I can share some more music with you if you have appreciated the Aradhna material in the past.
Great
NOTHING BUT
JUST SSUPPERB
Any Sitarist ll ENVEY U
PRANAAM PANDIT JI
Real Tribut To PANDIT NIKHIL BANERJEE
skilful usage of shudh dhaiwat n mandra saptak
Wd like to contact u
phansechandrashekhar@gmail.com
9821351162
MUMBAI
INDIA
WAH WAH
KYA BAAT HAI
Superb presentation christopherji n Pranam to Panditji
Tabla master also equally good n background snow good too with birds etc
One request to both players please play with a nice smile n joy in your heart and face
As it’s the most beautiful raag
Any composition in this raag if u listen with ur eyes closed u can see peacock dancing with tiny ghunghsroos in his feet
I have a composition by Pt Laxmikant Doshi co student of Pt Ravishankar , which is when I play or hear my teacher playing it gives the effect of a peacock dancing
See the birds are dancing in the backyard to your sitar recital
Bless u all for this
Awesome .play the sound like Chinese GuQin .
Good try.... the inspiration of Pandit Nikhil Bandyopadhyay clearly felt....
Please name the tabla accompanist... he tried very hard to copy the uthan part of jhaptaal from Swapan Ji.... but... hope it will be better next time...
the tonal quality of sitar is awsome ...who is the maker of your instrument ???
would like to know how long you are learning ???
Keep it up bro....all the best
Thanks for your encouraging comments. The tabla player is Santosh Naidu from Toronto (he is credited at 39 seconds into the piece). The sitar is made by Barun Ray, son of Hiren Roy.
@@SitarToronto Ahh..... its from Barun Da....
Thanks Chris.... it a pleasant experiance to listen you... I understand you are under tutalage of Pandit Partha Chattopadhyay.... I think he is the father of Purbayan Chattopadyay....
Anyway I am from Calcutta... have you ever visited Calcutta ???
Would love to know how you know about Indian classical music, why you choose sitar, and how you perceive classical music...
Thanks take care
@@coveringeternity Yes, my guru is Parthada who is on the faculty at SRA, and you are right, he is Purbayan's father. I'm so glad to hear you are from Calcutta. I have been there many times beginning in 1991. I first heard of Indian classical music while studying sitar at boarding school in Mussoorie with the late Ajit Singh (a Vichitra Veena player from Dehra Dun) from 1984-1986. Are you a sitar player yourself?
Sir what the time GMT/ IST n date. ..whith due respect
Nice playing! Although I've never heard dha in Megh, makes a sound like Kafi
Thanks Chris. Nikhil Banerjee is the only one I've ever heard use the Dha.
Raga Megh belongs to the Kafi thaat...
Can you change the thumbnail to have one with the bird sitting in her hand (from somewhere around 10:00)?
For sure one of my favourite ragas...if I could study to that death I would feel I'd really achieved something in this life. An inspiration.
Deapth!
Next time maybe just a video of you playing? Nicely done, hearing some of Partha-da's influence
really nice..how long have you been playing?
I began playing in high school in 1984 in India (Mussoorie)
sir plz send me notation of gat
Slightly arpegiated on the lower notes, don't exactly flow till the tabla kicks in. 😁
Thanks for your comment Arunesh!