Ustad Usman Khan was born in Dharwar; in the state of Karnataka
(South India); on 22 September 1940 as the eldest son of Ustad
Abdul Karim Khan. Ustad Abdul Karim Khan was the famous son of
the legendary Ustad Rehmat Khan; one of the
Navaratnas
in the court of the Maharaja of Mysore. It was Ustad Rehmat Khan,
who modified the three stringed Sitar to the seven stringed Sitar,
that we have today. Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the disciple of the
famous Beenkar Bande Ali Khan, was also the head of the faculty
of music in the Karnataka University. Guruji was initiated into
Sitar by his father, Ustad Abdul Karim Khan
Besides numerous concerts in India, Guruji has performed and still
performs in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, France, Italy
and USA to name a few. Hence he has disciples spread out in all these
countries.
Guruji draws freely from the
Gayaki Ang and
Tantu Ang,
which are the two traditional approaches in Indian instrumental music.
The result is a celestial harmony and beauty pouring out of notes,
that are pure.
Guruji has been acknowledged as a perfectionist. His unrelenting
love for pure music and an unflinching devotion to the discipline
of
Riyaz (disciplined practice) keeps him moving steadily
on his path to perfection. That is the secret behind the sweetness
of his music, that is tempered with a rigorous technique. Whether
it is an
Aalaap (introduction of the scale) or
Jhaala
(the fast movement) or
Gat (Composition), his is a music,
that flows directly to the depths of the heart in its own mystic
hypnotic beauty.
Guruji has also been honoured as the honorary International
Dean of
Temple of Fine Arts,
an institution founded by Swami Shantanand Saraswati. The Temple
of Fine Arts runs institutions teaching Indian classical art
forms not only in India but also in Singapore, Malaysia and
Australia.
Guruji is an acknowledged composer as well. His compositions for
several dance ballets, produced by the Temple of Fine Arts, have
been acclaimed by critics and audiences not only in India but also
abroad.
Guruji has done recordings for CBS, Temple of Fine Arts, Swarashri
and New Earth. Obviously, these are collectors items!
Guruji also finds time to impart his unique musical heritage and
knowledge to students, not only from India but also from all over
the world One person who drew inspiration from him is
Prem Joshua.
Guruji follows for this the true Indian tradition of
Gurukul. This
Gurukul called
Naad is located
in Pune, near Mumbai (formerly Bombay). Guruji is the managing
trustee of this institution, that is dedicated to the propagation of
classical music and dance.
| Ustad Usman Khan |
| 50/1/5A, Chaitanya Apartments |
| Bhakti Marg |
| Pune-411 004, India |
| Email: kirvani AT yahoo DOT com |
| Telephone/Fax : +91 20 254 395 04 |