Agra Gharana Part-2

Domain:Performing arts

State:

Description:

Agra Gharana represents a unique tradition of Hindustani Classical Music. Its compositions are known to be remarkable for their lyrical beauty and also for their musical potential. The bandishes of the Ragas are deeply influenced by the Braj culture, i.e. Lord Krishna and his enchanting leelas, making it the most fascinating part of the Agra Gharana Gayaki. One of the famous singers of this Gharana is Ustad Vilayat Hussain Khan who composed various bandishes under the pen name ‘pran Piya’. Another Indian classical vocalist was Ustad Sharafat Hussain Khan. He pioneered in the knowledge of three gharanas - Agra, Atrauli, and Rangile. Khadim Hussain Khan Sahab was a great Hindustani Classical singer and a lyricist as well. He composed nearly 150 bandishes under the umbrella of Agra Gharana. He also emphasized on poetry while singing. Agra Gharana uses all five vowels whereas the other Gharanas use only two-three vowels while singing. It also combines the styles of Dhrupad and Dhamar. The pronunciation of the bol in Agra Gharana makes it an extraordinary and great form of Gayaki. Pronunciation is not limited to the clarity of the sound but syllables also. The creation and distribution of bols are bound in patterns in the gayaki of Agra Gharana. The teachers of this gharana train their disciples with the techniques and variations to sing a bandish pertaining to the style and integrity of the gharana. The pronunciation, variations in tempo and rhythm mark the mastery of an artist in Agra Gharana.