Comments on: review of Deepak Raja’s book on khayal

By: musicmumbai

musicmumbai — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:42:01 +0000

In reply to Tazim. hi, I would recommend Ashok Da. Ranade's book " A concise dictionary of hindustani music" or anything else written by him. For descriptions and discussion of particular recordings, Rajan Parrikar's outstanding contribution is at sawf.org. I am not an authority of Prabha Atre's music but my own opinion is that in that style of singing she has been overshadowed by Parveen Sultana with her power, presence and creativity. Although she and Jasraj are not the favorites of the cognoscenti in the classical music world, I think Parveen and Kishori are there at the top of this generation's female vocalists.

By: Tazim

Tazim — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:42:36 +0000

Your comprehensive review is very helpful. It makes me wonder whether or not to purchase the book especially since I am looking for technical and/or conventional terms and phrases used to describe the rendition of khyal, for instance, a particular movement of meend in the alap section. As you have noted in your review, phrases such as “reluctant rhythmicality” are puzzling. Are there any books you would recommend that would provide such vocabulary? As an aside, where would you locate Dr, Prabha Atre in terms of her gayaki relative to the other singers of her generation, i.e. Kishori, Jasraj etc? Many thanks,

Prof. Tazim R Kassam,
Syracuse University

By: Amie Maciszewski

Amie Maciszewski — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:51:42 +0000

Many thanks for this, James. Your well-informed critical review of Deepak Raja’s book strikes a really good balance between what you have pointed out as passionate, in-depth, but sometimes overly rhetorical writing on music and your objective call for clarification.

I noticed a few punctuation and stylistic aberrations (just a few!), which you might want to clean up before the article goes to press. 🙂

I’d love to know where your review of Bakhle’s book is. I found it fascinating, and Steve Slawek’s incendiary review even more so.

Keep up the fine work. We music lovers are greatly indebted to dedicated, knowledgeable, and articulate rasikas like you.

Please do put me on your mailing list.

Cheers, Amie

By: Deepak Raja

Deepak Raja — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:33:04 +0000

Dear James,

Thank you for drawing my attention to this review of my second book. I cannot have any comment on any reviews of my work. I can only thank the reviewer for devoting his precious time and attention to my work, caring to express his views, and bringing my work to the attention of a wider audience. This gratitude, I owe you in ample measure.

Warmest regards. Sincerely: Deepak