Overview for Legend's Best: Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan
The Ustad Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan belongs to the triumvirate of three great Sitar-players of Hindustani music, the other two being Ustad Vilayat Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar. Abdul Halim Jaffer Khan has evolved his unique style of Sitar-playing which explains the full potential of the instrument and makes the Sitar music communicative. The tonal quality of the Sitar is enhanced on the one hand and various sounds are coaxed out of this wonderfl instrument by the Ustad. His style is known as 'Jaffer Khan Baaj'. Raag 'Jaijaivanti' is played at night. The mood of the raga is romantic. The Raag development is seen from two angles. One is called Bageshri ang which constantly reverts to the phrase 'Dha NI RE', which has the note flat (Komal) 'ni' of the Raag 'Bageshri'. Another approach is through the Khamaj 'ang' which emphasizes 'Ma Pa Ni Sa' which has the note natural (Shuddha) 'ni' of Khamaj. Ustad has selected the second approach which is more in tune with the mood of gentle relaxation. 'Jaijaivanti' has both shades of 'ga' and 'ni' which makes the Raag sweet beyond words.
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