Ahmed jan thirakwa biography definition
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Tabla maestro Ahmed Jan Thirakwa demonstrates the versatility of early 20th century musicians
As a practitioner of Hindustani music, I have always been amazed at how Indian musicians dealt with the new technologies that became an integral part of their profession in the early decades of the twentieth century. The performance context was entirely different from what they were used to in chamber concerts, and yet, after initial reluctance, they adapted wonderfully to their new circumstances. Proof of their musicianship and creativity is to be found on the 78RPM discs they recorded at time.
Even more astounding is the manner in which they embraced the film medium. They not only provided accompaniment to silent movies and talkies, but also faced the camera.
Here's a classic early clip from the Wadia Movietone series captured on film in the s. It features Ahmed Jan Thirakwa (c), one of the best-known tabla players of all time. A path-breaker and trendsetter, Thirakwa was equally well
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For tabla players, a singular festival honouring a singular maestro has become a pilgrimage site
For some years now Neelu Sharma, the professor of tabla at the Dayalbagh Educational Institute in Agra, has been undertaking a musical pilgrimage to Nashik with the PhD scholars she is guiding. For them, the annual Nashik Tabla Chilla holds more knowledge and expertise than what any library can offer.
Dedicated to the memory of the tabla titan Ahmed Jaan Thirakwa, the festival held at the Kusumagraj Smarak hall draws the keenest percussive talent from across the country, from initiates to stalwarts. For three days, in session after session of solo virtuosity, around 15 tabla players offer the best of their artistry as an homage to the man who is said to have revolutionised the instrument. The entré is packed to the rafters.
Among tabla players, the ustad, who died in aged 85, holds a cult status for the lyricism that marked his art. The playful suffix Thirakwa was given to him by his g
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Ahmed Jan Thirakwa
Indian tabla player ()
Ustad Ahmed Jan Khan "Thirakwa" ( – 13 January ) was an Indiantabla player, commonly considered the pre-eminent soloist among tabla players of the 20th century, and among the most influential percussionists in the history of Indian Classical Music.[1]
He was known for his mastery of the finger techniques and aesthetic values of various tabla styles, technical virtuosity, formidable stage presence, and soulful musicality. While he had command over the traditional tabla repertoire of various gharanas, he was also distinguished by the way in which he brought together these diverse compositions, his reinterpretation of traditional methods of improvisation, and his own compositions. His solo recitals were of the first to elevate the art of playing tabla solo to an art in its own right in the popular mind. His style of playing influenced many generations of tabla players specially today’s foremost Tabla maestro Pandit Nayan Ghosh