NEW YORK CITY (TIP): Veteran musician and Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan expressed hope that the new generation understands the spiritual nature of Indian classical music and will continue to keep the tradition alive. The maestro was addressing the audience in New York on October 5 at an interactive session moderated by India’s Consul General Sandeep Chakravorty, on his new book ‘Master on Masters’, which released in March this year in India.

‘Master on Masters’ is a ‘deeply personal book’ about the lives and times of some of the greatest icons of Indian classical music. Having known these stalwarts personally, Maestro recalls anecdotes and details about their individual musical styles, bringing them alive.

Twelve eminent musicians of the twentieth century appear in the book – Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Begum Akhtar, Alla Rakha, Kesarbai Kerkar, Kumar Gandharva, M.S. Subbulakshmi, Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar, Vilayat Khan and Kishan Maharaj.

In writing about them, Amjad Ali Khan transcends the Gharana and north-south divide, and presents portraits of these great artists that are drawn with affection, humor and warmth. Through pictures, anecdotes and personal experiences the book provides interesting insights into lives of the stalwarts who contributed to the glory of the Indian classical musical tradition in India.

Talking about the inspiration behind writing this book, he said, “My father (Haafiz Ali Khan) used to say, always find out quality of other musicians. That is what I have done. We had difference of opinions and fought with each other for our different gharanas. But I had great personal bond with them (the 12 maestros). I miss their presence. This is my humble homage to the greats.”

Ustad Amjas Ali Khan also spoke about the individual musical styles of the twelve musicians featured in his book. Highlighting the spirituality of Indian classical music, he said, “I hope the new generation understands the spiritual nature of the Indian classical music and continues to keep the tradition alive.”

His two sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash were also present at the event. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan will perform in New York on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Carnegie Hall.