Rhythm meets raga

The Monthly Baithak Programme of Pracheen Kala Kendra was a treat for music lovers as Gautam Pal, noted tabla player from Jaipur, and Gunjan Channa, a promising vocalist from Shimla, presented their compositions at ML Koser Indoor Auditorium.

Gunjan presented Himachali folk song Maaye Nii Meriye

Pal, a talented tabla player, represents the glorious tradition of Farukhabad Gharana. Gautam started playing the tabla at an early age under the guidance of Shib Shankar Karmakar, who is a disciple of Ustad Keramatullah Khan. Later, he became gandh- bandh sagrid of renowned tabla maestro Pt Shankar Ghosh.

Pal commenced his programme with traditional uthan followed by peshkar based on teen taal of Farukhabad Gharana. Then he moved on to present kayda, rela and palta. He also performed farmaishi and kamali chakradar, tukde, rele and tihaari in a well-composed manner. He concluded his recital with traditional bandishes. He was accompanied by Gurpreet Singh Moga on the harmonium.

After the beats of tabla, it was the turn for Gunjan Channa’s vocal recital. He started with Raag Bihag. After alaap, he presented a composition Kaise Sukh Soye in Vilambit khayal followed by two compositions Balam Re and Baje Re Mori Payal in Madhya Laya Teen Taal, which were well received by the audience. He was accompanied by Rajesh Brahmbhatt on the tabla and Madan Kashyap on the harmonium. — TNS