Pandit Manilal Nag and his daughter Mita Nag are among the world's most talented sitarists. This should be a surprise to no one who is familiar with their illustrious genealogy. Pandit Nag's grandfather, the late Pandit Govinda Nag and great-grandfather, the late Pandit Bauridas Nag, were both distinguished exponents of the sitar in their own times. The style of music that the Nags have evolved over the last two centuries has come to be called the Bishnupur gharana (literally, house or style) of music, and Pandit Nag is its foremost exponent today. He was initiated into the art of sitar playing by his father, the late Pandit Gokul Nag, when he was only 4 years of age. He made his public musical debut after 10 years of strict studies and instruction, and is today indisputably one of the world's most distinguished sitar maestros. Pandit Nag's style retains the depth, resonance and sensitivity of one who has dedicated decades as a musician to perfecting his craft. Combining with this the originality of a true genius and entrepreneur, he brings to perfection the delicacy and sentimental mood of every raga (melody) he plays. He is a master of improvisation and possesses the ability to breathe life and originality into a classical theme, molding it into a living and captivating form. Born in an aroma
of music, Mita Nag was initiated into sitar playing at the age
of four by her grandfather Pandit Gokul Nag and continued her
training under the tutelage of her parents. As a child performer
(aged 10), she wowed audiences in her debut appearance in the
International Year of the Child concert series in 1979 with her
virtuosity and talent. Ms. Nag has performed - both solo and
with her father -- in all major musical destinations in India,
earning praise everywhere. Her music has attracted and enthralled
audiences and disciples in locales as varied and widespread as
Belgium, Japan and several cities in the United States. Web design by JIVI solutions. Art work (c) Leelavati Bagavant. |
