Kishori Amonkar was an iconic figure in the world of Hindustani classical music. Her voice was described as “divine” and “otherworldly” by many who heard her sing. Her ability to express complex emotions through her music, and her dedication to preserving the traditions of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, made her one of the most respected and revered vocalists in India. In this blog post, we will explore the life and career of this legendary musician.
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Vidushi Kishori Amonkar
Kishori Amonkar was born on April 10, 1931, in Bombay (now Mumbai), India. Her mother, Mogubai Kurdikar, was a well-known classical singer in her own right, and Kishori began her training under her mother’s tutelage at the age of six. She also received guidance from her maternal grandfather, the legendary vocalist, Ustad Alladiya Khan.
Kishori’s parents separated when she was young, and she went to live with her mother in a communal home for musicians in Mumbai. Her childhood was filled with music, as she learned from her mother and other musicians who lived in the home.
Guru and Training
Under her mother’s guidance, Kishori Amonkar began her training in the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, which was known for its emphasis on melody and its intricate taan patterns. She was also influenced by the music of Ustad Alladiya Khan and his son, Ustad Bhurji Khan.
Kishori’s mother was a strict disciplinarian, and she pushed her daughter hard to perfect her technique and develop her own unique style. Kishori was required to practice for several hours each day, and she was not allowed to perform publicly until she had reached a certain level of proficiency.
Despite the rigorous training, Kishori Amonkar developed a deep love for music and a strong commitment to preserving the traditions of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. She was also known for her innovative approach to the music, and she was not afraid to experiment with new ideas and techniques.
Gharana
The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is known for its emphasis on melody, and it is one of the oldest and most respected gharanas in India. The gharana is also known for its intricate taan patterns and its use of complex rhythms.
Kishori Amonkar was a proud disciple of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, and she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting its traditions. She was known for her ability to weave intricate taans into her music, and she was also known for her ability to express complex emotions through her singing.
Performance
Kishori Amonkar was a gifted performer who captivated audiences with her voice and her stage presence. She was known for her ability to convey the emotions of the lyrics through her singing, and she was also known for her skill in improvisation.
Throughout her career, Kishori Amonkar performed at many prestigious venues and festivals in India and abroad. She was a regular performer at the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival in Pune, one of the most important festivals of Hindustani classical music. She also performed at the Dover Lane Music Conference in Kolkata and the Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior.
Life History
Kishori Amonkar’s life was devoted to music. She never married, and she did not have children. Instead, she devoted her life to her art, and she continued to perform and teach until her death in 2017.
In addition to her music, Kishori Amonkar was also known for her strong opinions and her dedication to the traditions of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.
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