Amjad Ali Khan blames TV Music

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Bangalore, Mar 1 (UNI) Lamenting that the advent of television has 'corrupted' the way music is enjoyed, Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan today said people cannot enjoy music by ''listening through eyes'', but should involve themselves by sitting in a concert and hearing through their ears to fully enjoy it.

''It has been a struggle for Indian classical music after the flooding of dozens of TV channels. And Amjad Ali Khan is now left alone with a challenge to fight 200 channels. It is only a live concert which can provide the true flavour of classical music,'' the maestro said.

Speaking to mediapersons on the eve of his concert with tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain in the city, he said any appealing music should be heard and loved. Western music should be enjoyed by all, but its total embrace, like some people of the new generation had done, might not go well with the country's culture. ''I don't hold anything against Western music. Be it Staccato or Hindustani, both gives tranquility. But what we need is a fine balance. Our country is known for its classical music, dance and social values. It is our duty to keep this flag flying at any cost,'' he urged.

The celebrated musician said classical music was not just a profession for him, but a passion and style. ''This is like an elephant walk and not like a horse or donkey race. It is slow, but very gracious. I tell my sons Aman and Ayan that it is a very long journey which lasts for decades to master classical music. I am happy that they are committed and progressing satisfactorily. I always remember what my father believed in - 'Swar hi Ishwar hai'.'' Heaping praise on Ustad Hussain, he said Zakir Hussain was not just a tabla maestro, but a multi-dimensional musician. ''We never rehearse before a concert. Music comes spontaneously to us.''