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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