Program
Khyal or Khayal (ख़याल / خیال) is a major form of Hindustani classical music in the Indian subcontinent. Its name comes from a Persian/Arabic word meaning "imagination".[1] Khyal is associated with both sacred and secular poetry, and allows the performer great freedom of expression.
In Khayal music, the composition, or bandish, serves as a blueprint of the Raga to be improvised. The accompanists follows the lead of the singer in co-creating the Raga in the moment. Each Raga has specific melodic rules within which the ensemble explores new movements and meaning, each time. Often, the musicians follow visual and other cues to enjoy and support each other’s creativity. This is the ‘magic’ of Khayal, as envisioned by the founder Niamat Khan ‘Sadarang’ who formalized and championed this art form in late 18th century Mughal India.
Student Performance
Raga Bhairav (Early Morning Raga) | Teental (16 beats)
Traditional composition describing mother waking up little Krishna, as his cowherd friends and cows are gathered at this door waiting for him. The boys must lead the cattle out to graze in the countryside before the sun comes up too high.
Raga Bilawal (Noon Raga) | Teental (16 beats)
An ode to Vishnu, the Protector of the Universe. All things living and non-loving, moving and non-moving bow to Him. Composer: V.N. Bhatkande.
Raga Yaman (Evening Raga) | Ektal (12 beats)
A lakshangeet describes the Raga itself and serves as a poetic mnemonic of the Raga’s lakshanas/characteristics.
Personnel
Lucinda Axtelle, Kimani Bishop, Taylor Buehler, Juan Hillon, Anita Kumar, Minghao Li, Karissa Longo, Maria Price, Emily Silks. Tanpura: Elliot Hansen, Tess Roberts
Rituchakra
Srivani Jade and Ensemble
In the North Indian tradition, the six seasons of India (rituchakra) are reflected in imagery, poetry, music and dance. In this evening’s recital, Srivani Jade will be presenting six short Ragas with compositions - ancient and modern - that evoke the mood of the changing seasons. She will perform compositions that paint a picture of the seasons, through specific intonation, embellishments, tempi, and poetry.
Griishma (Summer) and Shishira (Winter) | Raga Shuddha Sarang | Addha and Drut Ektal
Composers: Veena Sahasrabuddhe, Ramashreya Jha ‘Ramrang’
The eagerness of a parched Earth as the dark rain clouds gather and fill the air with anticipation is the theme of an Indian summer. This is contrasted with a Winter in which the Sun plays hide-and-seek with the clouds and remembers to shine only in the afternoons.
Varsha (Monsoon) | Raga Sur Malhar | Teental
Composer: Goswami Shrilal ‘Kunwar Shyam’
The monsoons finally arrive. The thirst of the land is quenched. But what of the pining heart waiting for the Beloved to yet come home? The cuckoo’s plaintive cries only make matters worse.
Sharad (Autumn) | Raga Audav Bageshree | Jhaptal
Composer: Unknown/Traditional
The autumn moon hangs low in the sky, and creates a romantic mood. There is a magic flute playing somewhere (Krishna’s perhaps?). All nature is in thrall of His music.
Hemant (Pre-Winter) | Raga Hemant | Drut Teental
Composer: Dinkar Kaikini
A cool breeze brings forth the fragrance of a thousand blooms. It is a pleasant time to gather, to sing, to welcome this King of all Seasons.
Vasant (Spring) | Chaiti | Dipchandi Taal
Purbi Folk Traditional
Bring me a scarf of many colors, my Beloved
For it is Spring (Chaitar Maase)
Red skirt, yellow blouse, and a green skirt
The colors of Spring that we both enjoy
Biographies
Srivani Jade
Srivani represents the Dharwad-Kirana stream of Khayal tradition. She also enjoys singing Purbi style Thumri and devotional or ‘Bhakti’ repertoire from all over India. Her performances have received critical acclaim in the 2014 Sawai Gandharva Festival, 2016 Earshot Jazz Festival, and other important venues. She has seven albums of original music, and has scored music for film and theater in India and abroad. She is a recipient of Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship award, as well as several Master-Artist grants from 4Culture and ArtsWA to teach and continue her tradition of Indian music in the diaspora. She has served as Artist in Residence at several universities in the US. She is President and Artistic Director of Ragamala, a non-profit that presents and promotes excellent Indian Music programming, education and community outreach, in the Greater Seattle area.
Ravi Albright
Ravi Albright is one of the Pacific Northwest’s outstanding tabla players, and represents the Farukhabad Gharana or style of playing. He is also the Founder/Director of Seattle Tabla Institute, a 501c3 non-profit organization, offering ongoing classes, workshops and musical events throughout the year in Seattle, WA.
Deepashri Joglekar
Deepashri is a well-known Harmonium player and teacher in the Greater Seattle area. She enjoys playing solo as well as accompaniment to a wide variety of traditional Indian music. She continues to study with Pt. Pramod Marathe of Pune, India.