alaap-agragharana.com
a rare collection of alaaps from Agra gharana
About the site
It is almost futile to try to earn recognition for the music of an unknown musician almost thirty years after his death , particularly when the recordings are not of professional quality. But this man and his music were so special that it was an honour to make this almost foolish attempt.
Contrary to the common notion of being the introductory part of a song, aimed at delineating a raga, Moni Babu treated alaap as an independent identity. He believed that, being free of the bindings of bandish (lyrics) and taal (rhythm), alaap afforded the artiste an enormous scope for self-expression. Naturally, he was equally adept at Dhrupad and Khayal, particularly vilambit khayal, but alaap was closest to his heart, his forte.
His style of alaap is rare , to say the least. At once, majestic, emotive, melodious and masterly, it has an ethereal appeal one does not normally associate with alaaps heard today. In the words of one listener, “ this is great music -- soulful, melodious, royal."
One of the reasons he never gave a public performance was that he believed that his style did not suit public taste in general. Perhaps this was true. But the kind of response these songs generated among the listeners, convinced us that there was a large section of public who would value this style and approach to music.
Through this site , we have made an attempt to bring some of his songs to public . It would be a tribute to the departed soul if this effort can help to bring back memories of an almost forgotten art and rekindle interest in the great Agra Gharana.
To achieve this end, the publishers have decided to share these songs completely free of cost by allowing Free Listening / Free Download . We request you to kindly read the text in the relevant pages for complete information.
