My Music Diary

This article is written by friend Mohammad Shehzad. I shared a small note on Ustad Rais Khan which was going to be part of the obituary article on the Ustad who left for his heavenly abode on 6th May 2017. Articles can be accessed using the links below: http://dailykashmirimages.com/Details/139675/rais-khans-departure-is-sitars-demise http://dailytimes.com.pk/life-and-style/14-May-17/rais-khans-departure-is-sitars-demise

This article was published on 21st May 2017 on Kannada News paper Vishwavani. http://epaper.vishwavani.news/bng/e/bng/21-05-2017/21/add

Tribute to Ustad Rais Khan (1939 - 2017) This is a short note to convey my personal thanks, gratitude and regards to the immortal Sitar Wizard for being one of the most important inspirations to play the Sitar. Ustad Rais Khan was probably one of the most versatile, naturally talented and gifted sitarists ever born in our planet. Though he played Gandhar-Pancham Sitar (most suitable for Gayaki Ang) which was actually introduced by another supreme genius - Ustad Vilayat Khan, he wanted a different tonal quality out of it. Hence he used 4# string as the main string, whereas 3#or 3.5# was the standard gauge for Sitar main string. Also He tuned his Sitar at 'D'. This gave a unique melodious tonal quality in his sitar which was his own. Ustad ji had a unique balance between two hands. His 'Andaaz' and execution of Murkis, Gamaks, Chhut Taans and Sapat Taans had a different dimension. Any musical phrase even in tremendous speed was executed with superl