Ethereal, Stunning
Gaurav Dixit | USA | 09/29/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is probably the finest concert recording of a Dhrupad artist ever. The ambience of a place of worship, and the acoustics of the cathedral make this a uniquely moving experience. Dhrupad is a style of singing that connects the modern age back to the ancient Vedic one, and Hussain Sayeeduddin Dagar is one of its greatest living exponents. In this recording he has truly risen to the occasion and delievred a masterpiece. His Bhupali is serene and contemplative, and creates an atmosphere of quiet devotion. Bhupali is an evening Rag, and Ustadji conveys the mood of the Rag perfectly. The Jogia however is simply out of this world. It is an early morning Rag, and the contrast with the Bhupali is acute, as the artist welcomes the dawn with a spirit of hope for the new day.
The quality of the recording is pristine and does full justice to the artist's efforts. Every slight inflection and delicate modulation of sur (sound) is captured or the listener's delight. Truly a moment frozen in time forever to enjoy again and again."