Art of the Indian Sarod

Gurdev Singh, one of the world's foremost exponents of the sarod plays three well-known ragas: Raag Ahir Bhairav, a morning raga: Alaap (jhaptaal, 10 beats), Madhylay (teentaal, 16 beats); Raag Malkauns, an evening raga: (Alaap, Vilambit Gat (teentaal, 16 beats) and Raag Bhairavi: Alaap, Madhylay (teentaal, 16 beats). A beautiful, meditative and relaxing album.

Gurdev Singh was born in 1948 in India. He began learning music at the age of seven with Ustad Tara Singh and Piara Singh who taught him to play the dilruba, an ancient bowed instrument, which Gurdev still plays. He was also trained in vocal music under Mahadeo Prasad.

In 1967 Gurdev became a disciple of the world famous sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in Delhi and was introduced to the sarod with the Holy patronage of H.H. Shri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji. The sarod is an extremely demanding instrument. It is capable of an extraordinary range of sounds, from haunting sweetness to dazzling speed and power. Gurdev Singh has now spent over twenty-five years learning to master it. His success can be measured by his popularity in India, in both live and radio concerts, and by the increasing international demand for his performances.

His UK performances have included the BBC, Midland TV, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Centre, Bath and Oxford University, the 1984 Liverpool Garden Festival and South Bank. In North America he has played in Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle University and the prestigious Amir Khusro Society in Chicago. He has also visited Switzerland, Denmark, Germany and other European countries. Every year Gurdev performs in major festivals held all over India.