In the structure of The Beatles’ musical endeavors, Ringo Starr handled rhythm on the drums, while John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and occasionally George Harrison crafted the melodies he complemented. Similarly, India’s traditional tabla players maintained rhythm before Zakir Hussain elevated the instrument to international acclaim.
The tabla’s association with Bhakti bhajans, Sikh shabads, and Sufi qawwalis has been deeply rooted since the 19th century. Sufi poet Khwaja Mir Dard of the Naqshbandi silsila described the cyclical rhythm of Roopak taal as analogous to the mystical idea: “Be in the world, not of it.” This poetic framing reflects how intellectuals and Sufi poets of the time deeply understood the intricacies of classical music.
Zakir Hussain blended the Sufi essence of tabla with Western musical ensembles, sparking debates about the purity of classical music. However, the fusion of Western instruments with Indian classical music began over a century ago with figures like Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore incorporated ensemble music and embraced the Western harmonium. In southern India, the violin initially served as an accompanying instrument but later achieved solo prominence in classical concerts. These integrations emerged alongside European influences in India.
Indian instruments also found their way into Western music. George Harrison, who studied sitar under Pandit Ravi Shankar, incorporated it into “Norwegian Wood,” a composition inspired by the Raga Bageshri. Zakir Hussain contributed to this cultural blending, though he was not alone. Platforms like Coke Studio in Pakistan have showcased innovative musicians blending folk and classical traditions with Western music, enhancing the global appeal of South Asian classical music.
Examples include Ustad Naseer-ud-din Saami’s performance of “Mundari mori” in Raga Adana, enriched by Western instrumentation, and Fareed Ayaz and Abu Mohammed’s haunting renditions of “Kangana” and “Mori bangri murak gai” in Raga Malkauns. These compositions seamlessly integrate Western orchestras with Indian classical formats, often inspired by Zakir Hussain’s trailblazing tabla innovations.
Hussain’s contributions highlight the evolving narrative of classical music, where traditional and contemporary styles coalesce, enriching the art form’s global resonance.
Related Topics
- Mateus Asato to Perform at Exclusive Intimate Events in Singapore and London
- Victor Wooten Surprises Fans with an Unconventional Bass Trick
- George Harrison Once Claimed Paul McCartney “Ruined” Him as a Guitarist
