I am not going to review this book but would like to say something about it. I have just read it although it was published by Thema in 2014. I am surprised I hadn’t heard about because I found it to be fascinating. I eagerly lapped up his interesting history and analysis of Kolkatta based classical music of the 20th century. What makes it so convincing is his obvious knowledge of what he is talking about and the lack of any personal agenda (often lacking in musical discussion). It is not only about sitar and his insights on vocal music are well presented and although not completely comprehensive cover much ground. Maybe there is more information in Bengali of the early 20th century but in English I haven’t seen anything and to hear authentic stories of Imdad Khan, Enayat Khan, Hafiz Ali, Hirendrakumar, and scores of others. Sometimes it is difficult to follow and I would assume some advance knowledge is necessary. The readership of this book is highly selective but dry and academic it is not. He makes some very astute observations. For example how Alauddin Khan, Hafiz Ali, and Mustaq Hussein, although all students of Wazir Khan developed such unique styles and their own gharanas. He observes that the full 4 part dhrupads in the 20th century were only preserved in Rabindranath Tagore’s compositions. The Bairam Khan connection with Patiala is detailed. The author alludes to a feud of some sort between Moinuddin Khan Dagar and Mustaq Hussein Khan. Does anyone know what it was about? This book is loaded with anecdotes, insights and history. I only wish he had written more………
