In sticking with evening ragas, I came across Yaman today. You know, we often to over look the beauty that is there in the basics. As anyone who has ever learned any form of Hindustani classical music knows, Yaman is the raaga that is used to ease the new student in. And it is this same reason that we feel that such a simple raaga may fall short in satisfying an experienced palate.
Well, it’s staggering how many time I’ve fallen into that same misconception and this time was no different.Yaman with its easy to master note distribution and movement allows for greater freedom of artistic expression and a chance for the musician to kick back relax and just PLAY!
I’ve also found Yaman to be particularly helpful in improving my aalap in the lower saptak (octave).
Getting back to the concerts at hand, time is not just passing but seems to be out to set a new land speed record. It seems just yesterday I was 24 days out and now its down to 14 anxious days. I have been trying to get all my practice sessions in but I’d be lying if I said I was succeeding at it. To be any good on stage in England, I would have to get all my practice sessions in from today till the 12th, period! I’m going to try to get my first session in tomorrow first thing in the morning and then se where things go from there.
This is Adi signing off,
till next time …
Filed under: Sitar
