Yhe human mind incessantly seeks novelty, excitement. Its is never enough to savour the fragrance of the experience, one must always move on to experiences which are new. Then the music lover or connoisseur is the catalyst for change for the unceasing introduction of any receiver is also obsessed with another phenomenon ' the need to feel an object of pleasure in the context of a perspective and in relation to other things similar.
The idea of the Jugalbandi perhaps was born out of this curiosity of both artiste and listener to se how a certain star or style fares in relation to another.
Jugal, gaan or two vocalists performing together is an old, albeit isolated, tradition in Indian Classical Music. The pair of singers however were always either brothers or students- of the same teacher and thus developed a concert style where each would take turns at improvisation and one would complement or echo the other in. turns.
The concept of a musical 'duel' was also strongly entrenched in the tradition in a different context. This was a purely , competitive medium, often quite negative in spirit and intent. The modern day Jugalbandi is a duel' with a difference' in that it o a highly positive and creative exercise, born of a great degree I of mutual respect between the players. The object is primarily to > create a synergy of ideation and sound in a celebration of the solidity pf structure in Indian Classical Music which enables two perfect strangers to come together before an audience and make music together on the spot.
For the listener however, it cannot be denied that the spirit of competition between titans is of great attraction. Perhaps it is this which makes jugalbandi the most popular concert format in contemporary times.
1. Raga : Yaman Gat Teentaal 2. Raga : Nandkalyan Aalap and Gat Teental 3. Mishra Dhun : Kehrwa Accompanists Ustad Bismillah Khan s Party
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