Sultan of sarangi : Sultan Khan - Page 3

Ustad Sultan Khan is one of the foremost sarangi players of India, renowned for the emotional depth of his playing, and his extraordinary technical and melodic control over this difficult string instrument. He is one of the representatives of the Indore Gharana, made famous by Ustad Amir Khan. A scion of illustrious lineage of sarangi players, beginning his training at age seven, he learned the rudiments from his father, Ustad Gulab Khan who was both an accomplished sarangi player and a vocalist. A little wonder then that the Ustad like his father, always punctuates his concerts with vocal Amir khani nuances. When he picks up the sarangi to lilting Sargams where he has left off vocally, the succeeding notes emerge in continuation as though the sarangi sings. His systematic Badhat, exquisite Gamaks, and intricate Tans make his performances unique and soulful.

Ustad Sultan Khan gave his first performance at the All-India Conference at the age of 11, and since then has become to be recognized on an international scale, performing along with Pandit Ravi Shankar on former Beatle, George Harrison?s 1974 Dark Horse World Tour. He has won numerous musical awards, including being a recipient twice of the Sangeet Natya Academy Award, also know as the President's Award, as well as being a recipient of the Gold Medalist Award of Maharashtra, and the American Academy of Artists Award in 1998. In 1997 he had the honor and privledge of playing for Prince Charles' 50th birthday celebration.

Ustad Sultan Khan also has composed and recorded music for films, such as In Custody, and Ghandi. But, his true devotion and love lie in playing the classical music of India. Ustad Sultan Khan has made a number of classical music recordings released on several different labels: Rycodisc, Moment Records, World Music Library, Chhandhara, India Archives, and Navras.