While music lovers in Pakistan will soon be able to watch YouTube again after that country's parliament decided this week to lift a ban imposed on the site in 2012, net users in the rest of the world have no problem viewing video recordings of renowned Pakistani musicians. Vocalists from both the Pakistani and Indian parts of Punjab display a virtuosity that has become an identifying characteristic of their style. Swift turns of melodic phrase, quicksilver taans across the gamut, and mindboggling combinations of swaras form the mainstay of this style. At times, this approach challenges conventional raag grammar and can become competitive, but the overall musicality is quite extraordinary.
The three clips included here demonstrate overlaps between art or classical music and what is commonly considered as semi-classical music.
The vocalists in the first two clips, recorded in the presence of an invited audience of musicians and connoisseurs, exhibit an ease with Urdu and Punjabi poetry.
Amanat Ali and Fateh Ali
The atmosphere is reminiscent of the jalsas and informal mehfils of the past.
Salamat Ali Khan
Salamat Ali Khan presents a Multani Kafi written by the Sufi saint-poet Khwaja Ghulam Farid.
Sabri Brothers
The inimitable Sabri Brothers present a detailed qawwali incorporating Persian and Urdu verses, making seamless entries into varied melodic and rhythmic structures. Notice the carefully choreographed musical arrangement and dynamics between the lead voices and the ensemble that consists of supporting voices and several instruments like dholak, tabla, keyboards and bongo.
Listen to these clips as a single playlist on our YouTube channel.
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The three clips included here demonstrate overlaps between art or classical music and what is commonly considered as semi-classical music.
The vocalists in the first two clips, recorded in the presence of an invited audience of musicians and connoisseurs, exhibit an ease with Urdu and Punjabi poetry.
Amanat Ali and Fateh Ali
The atmosphere is reminiscent of the jalsas and informal mehfils of the past.
Salamat Ali Khan
Salamat Ali Khan presents a Multani Kafi written by the Sufi saint-poet Khwaja Ghulam Farid.
Sabri Brothers
The inimitable Sabri Brothers present a detailed qawwali incorporating Persian and Urdu verses, making seamless entries into varied melodic and rhythmic structures. Notice the carefully choreographed musical arrangement and dynamics between the lead voices and the ensemble that consists of supporting voices and several instruments like dholak, tabla, keyboards and bongo.
Listen to these clips as a single playlist on our YouTube channel.
