S5 EP1 | Pandit Rajendra Prasanna
53m
Pandit Prasanna renders two mellifluous morning Ragas that use both madhyams or the 4th note – Lalit and Shudh Sarang, where he unfolds the essence of both the melodies with ample grace and technique. He exposes the chromatic madhyams in Lalit with majestic control and tonal clarity. In Shudh Sarang, he elaborates the two madhyams in the ascent and descent creating a strong impression with an oscillating 6th or dhaivat. The Benares gharana ensemble comes full circle with his son Rishab Prasanna and young Shubh Maharaj’s energetic accompaniment.
Rajendra Prasanna is a leading exponent of both the bansuri and the shehnai, two wind instruments with contrasting textures. He hails from a distinguished lineage of Benares musicians. Prasanna first learnt from his father Raghunath and uncles Bholanath and Vishnu. He also studied under Hafeez Ahmed Khan and Sarfaraz Hussain Khan, and took vocal lessons from Mahadev Mishra. His career since has featured accompaniment slots with Ravi Shankar, a long association with the National School of Drama, and carefully selected film work. He is one of the finest purveyors of the modern Benares gharana.
Shubh Maharaj comes from a lineage that needs no introduction; He is the grandson of Pandit Kishen Maharaj and renowned kathak dancer Pandit Vijay Shankar. Shubh was taken in as a student by his grandfather at the age of one and he has trained rigorously under his guidance. At a youthful age, he has already accompanied the greatest figures of Indian classical music and is known for his power-packed solo recitals.
Rishab Prasanna was initiated into flute by his grandfather Pandit Raghunath Prasanna and he also received training from his uncles Ravi Shankar Prasanna and Rakesh Prasanna. He has been under the tutelage of his father since many years now and has pushed his boundaries with international collaborations with jazz music, chamber music and orchestra.
Musicians:
- Pandit Rajendra Prasanna Bansuri (flute)
- Rishab Prasanna (flute)
- Shubh Maharaj (tabla)
- Jeanne Miramon (tanpura)
- Ranjana Ghatak (tanpura)
Raag Lalit and Shudh Sarang