Author: Asharani Mathur
Publisher: Habitat
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 163
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8190156306
Description
The world of Music would not be complete without Ghazals. The world of Ghazals would not be complete without Jagjit Singh. Jagjit Singh's contribution to the world of Music is unique. This book with 2 Music Cds chronicles Jagjit Singh's musical journey and his devotion to music.
FROM THE FOREWORD BY LATA MANGESHKAR:
I have had the privilege of singing various ghazals in films under the baton of great film composers. While some of these stalwarts passed away in the mid-seventies. At the same time, the ghazal was fast becoming redundant in the kind of films made in those days.
I would yearn to hear, if not sing, a ghazal in films. But that did not happen too often and made me wonder whether this beautiful form of poetry would now be a forgotten art.
But then Jagjit Singh arrived on the scene and has kept the ghazal flying high till today.
His contribution becomes all the more significant because at a time when melody was doing away from our film music, his compositions and singing style gave us renewed hope. Even more so, the sway of Hindi cinema and its situational songs was so strong that the new arena of non-film music created by him brought a complete freshness to the music scene.
There is absolutely no doubt that Jagjit Singh with his unique composing and singing style is the torchbearer of the survival of ghazals in India.
I recall having heard about his talent from various people including the late Madan Mohan. I also recall that on Madan Bhaiyya's anniversary, I had suggested Jagjit Singh's name to perform on the occasion and he regaled the audience with his scintillating renditions.
The opportunity to work together came only in the early nineties. I sang a song in the film Kanoon Ki Awaaz under his baton - it was a simple sweet tune- a song for Karva Chauth. I wonder if the film was ever released. I also recall singing with him for the film 'Nargis' and some others. But of course, the Album 'Sajda' was worth its wait.
I have many memories of 'Sajda'. Most of all, my ill health during those days. But Jagjit Sigh persevered and always made me feel comfortable and special. Even on days when I felt that my health was not up to its mark, he would cajole me and make me believe that he was satisfied with my rendition. Sajda took a while to complete but the enthusiasm of both Jagjit Singh's fans and mine made me feel that it was a worthwhile effort. In fact, 'Sajda' is a completely different offering in my repertoire of albums. I am glad that it also forms a pride of place in Jagjit Singh's collections.
There were many requests to do a follow up to 'Sajda' but I think somewhere Jagjit and I both felt that it should remain a singular experience.
During the making of 'Sajda' I got to know Jagjit Singh the person better - a great composer and singer of course. And a very warm human being with a great sense of humor.
The personal tragedy that befell Jagjit and Chitra was devastating. But it was the artiste in Jagjit Singh that surmounted this pain - in fact I could feel his latent anguish during the making of 'Sajda'. All of which came out in his compositions for the album and may be somewhere in my rendition as well. Indeed, together we sang and created this Gham Ka Khazana.
His dedication to his music remained solid. It was almost as if his worship of music was being addressed in the first ghazal I sang for Sajda - "Dil Main Ab Dard-e-Mohabbat Ke Siwa Kuch Bhi Nahin, Zindagi Meri Ibadat Ke Siwa Kuch Bhi Nahin".
I am glad that this book will chronicle Jagjit Singh's musical journey and elucidate his devotion to music. His fans will find this book a most interesting experience.
Contents
FOREWORD BY LATA MANGESHKAR
FAMILY ALBUM
Up to 1965
Facet: Poets & Poetry
Album: Birha da Sultan
STREETS OF GOLD
1965-1967
Facet: The Ghazal & Perceptions
Album: Mirza Ghalib
SAATH SAATH WITH CHITRA
1967-1975
Facet: Composition & Orchestration
Album: The Unforgettables
THE UNFORGETTABLES AND AFTER
1976-1986
Facet: A Sound Interest
Album: Beyond time
TRIUMPH AND TRAGEDY
1987-1996
Facet: Introduction of New Singing Talent
Album: The Making of Sajda
THE GODFATHER OF GHAZAL
1997 onwards
Facet: Giving to Others
Album: Samvedna
A MUSICAL GLOSSARY
DISCOGRAPHY
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS