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Partnership in music, popularly known as “Jugalbandi”, is
not a modern innovation. It was very much in vogue in the days of “dhrupad”
singing in the middle ages, and there are references to many shining examples
of duet combinations of master and disciple, father and son or two brothers.

 “ Jugalbandi” in instrumental music is, however, a
recent trend, and an exciting experiment, too, that has caught the imagination
of musicians. Nonetheless, it is a rare device, difficult of achievement.

 For, the essence of “jugalbandi” lies in the deep
understanding and playful competition, mutual admiration and emotional unity on
the part of the performing artistes. It is not mere participation by two
performers in which two solos only happen to coincide with each other. A
successful “jugalbandi” calls for a high degree of synthesis in conception,
approach and treatment in presentation.

The Sarangi and the flute, heard in duet and solo in this
disc, differ from each other in point of their character and quality of tone,
as also in many other respects. Yet, Sultan Khan, who plays the sarangi, and
Raghunath Seth, who plays the flute in this disc, show a marvellou
understanding of each others musical soul. Each player has reinforced the
other’s efforts to present an exciting sound-picture of the raga Maru Bihag, on
Side One. The rendition is marked by a variegated unity which is not normally attainable
in a “jugalbandi”. A perfect combination, indeed, that makes for a true duet
recital. 

 Side Two of the disc reveals Raghunath Seth and Sultan
Khan as Master soloists of their own right.

RAGHUNATH SHETH

 Raghunath Sheth who is a top notcher among the flute-players
of the present day, was born in a family where music had struck deep roots for
generations. He had his initial training from his elder brother, Kashi Prasad,
a noted singer, instrumentalist and stage actor of the ‘fifties’.

 A graduate in Anthropology from Lucknow University, his
quest of music brought Raghunath Seth to Bombay in 1951 and he had the good
fortune of learning the subtleties and refinements of flute-playing from the
late maestro, Pannalal Ghosh. His subsequent grounding in the theoretical
aspect of music from the late Pandit S. N. Ratanjankar strengthened his
foundations.

Presently on the staff of the Films Division as Assistant
Director of Music, Raghunath Seth has also served at severatl stations of A. I.
R. and also on T.V. in Delhi. His service in A. I. R. provided him ample scope
to study the contemporary “gharanas” of traditional music and it helped him to
evolve his own style which embodies a beautiful synthesis of “gayaki” and
“gatkari”.

 This is not to say that he is a die hard
traditionalist. The music he has scored for the documentaries of the Films
Division unfolds many facets of his versatility in the field of folk and
devotional music, too. In a short span of seven years, he has directed music
for well over 200 documentary films, many of which have won national and
international awards.

 Raghnath Seth has roured the U.K. and Europe and his
recitals abroad have made a tremendous impact on the foreign audiences, so much
so that Chris Hinze, the internationally known jass flute-player, became his
disciple to learn music on the Indian bamboo flute. A popular broadcaster, he
also participates in all major music conferences in India.

SULTAN KHAN

 Sultan Khan is a scion of an illustrious family of
musicians which had the privilege of princely patronage for five generations at
the Court of Sikar (Rajasthan). A grandson of Ustad Azim Khan, a renowned
maestro of the Sarangi, the pakhawaj and the sitar, Sultan was born at Kiar in
1943 and had his initiation into music from his father, Ustad Gulab Khan, also
an acknowledged sarangi player and vocalist. Later he came under the influence
of Ustad Amir Khan, whose guidance and direction helped him greatly to widen
his musical horizons. 

 Sultan Khan was associated with All India Radio as a
staff artiste for 6 years. His style of playing is marked by systematic
“badhat”, exquisite “gamaks” and intricate “taan” patterns, all conjured with
uncanny clarity and precision. He wields a smooth, soothing bow and the tonal
mellifluence of his playing has brought him tremendous acclaim from the
audiences. He is an artiste constantly sought after wherever music festivals
are held and is one of the few top masters of the instrument in the country.

PANDIT KASHI NATH MISHRA

 Pandit Kashi Nath Mishra belongs to a well-known
family of musicians of Varanasi, where the traditions of North Indian music are
probably the most deep-rooted. He was initiated most deep-rooted. He was
initiated into the art of tabla playing by Pandit Bundi Maharaj at a very early
age. Later on, he came under the tutelage of the famous tabla wizard of
Varanasi, Pandit Anokhey Lal. Pandit Anokhey Lal groomed him into a polished
performer.

 Pandit Kashi Nath Mishra has given percussion
accompaniment to many of our music luminaries both at home and abroad.
Presently on the staff of the T. V. Center, Bombay, he is a ‘must’ at all
important music festivals in India.

THE MUSIC

Side One: Raga Maru Behag: This is a charming sub-melody of
the popular raga Bihag and is rendered during the second quarter of the night.
The special stress on “rishabha” and ‘teevra madhyama” gives it a colour
distinct from Bihag. The duet rendition is set to “tritaal” (16 “matras”).

 Side Two: 

 (a)   Raga Gorakh kalyan: This is an evening
melody, pentatonic in character. It omits “Gandhara” from its scale, “nishadha”
from “aroha” and Panchama” from “avaroha”. It makes use of “komal nishada” in
“avaroha”. The raga is known for its yearning mood. The composition played is
set to “jhaptaal” (10 “matras”).

 (b)  Raga Ras-Mohini: This enchanting melody
presents a striking combination of the ragas Chandrakauns (in “aroha”) and the
Carnatic Kirwani (in “avaroha”). It thus depicts a dual mood – that of peace
and love. It takes “shadja” and “Madhyama” as “vadi” and “samvadi” swaras,
respectively. The artiste renders the Raga in “roopak taal” (seven “matras”).

 Artists: 

Sultan Khan (Sarangi), Raghunath Seth (Flute), Pt. Kashi
Nath Mishra (Tabla)

Tracks:

Side One:

 Raga Maru Bihag          
  Teentaal           Jugalbandi - Sarangi &
Flute

 Side Two:

 Raga Gorakh Kalyan       Jhaptaal 
           Flute Solo

Raga Ras Mohini             Roopak
Taal    Sarangi Solo