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. |