When Words Disappear presents the music of the court tradition of North India, a unique tradition combining classic musical architecture with the spontaneity of pure improvisation.

5 MP3 Songs
WORLD: World Traditions, CLASSICAL: New Age



Details:
"The evening's performance left no doubt about his prowess...There was tremendous depth, feeling and soul in Trasoff's performance." - Ajanta Krishnamurty, The Telegraph, Calcutta, January 2000

"This is the first time I have seen a foreign artist play an Indian instrument with such command...pure Indian artistry" - Mukesh Garg, Navbharat Times, New Delhi

" a distinguished performer on the sarod...a force to be reckoned with" - Subha Mazumdar, Newslead, Allahabad

"...an almost mystical sound. Trasoff's technique was impressive...now and then there would be an outburst - half gasping moan, half transfiguring spirit - that hung in the air like an instant of pure truth. Those are the moments you live for in music..." - Daniel Buckley, Tucson Citizen
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David Trasoff is one of the few Americans who has spent the years of training and practice required to bring North Indian classical music to the stage through the authentic performance of the ragas, solo or accompanied by tabla. He has studied since 1972 under maestro Ali Akbar Khan, considered the greatest living exponent of this art form.

Zakir Hussain is today appreciated not only in the field of percussion, but also in the music world at large, as an international phenomenon. A classical sarode virtuoso of the highest order, his consistently brilliant and exciting performances have gained him fame all over the world for his many accomplishments.

David Trasoff
Since its introduction to the West by such renowned artists as Ali Akbar Khan and Ravi Shankar, the classical music of India has fascinated audiences with its pure melodies and intricate rhythms. David Trasoff is one of the few Americans who has spent the years of training and practice required to bring North Indian classical music to the stage through the authentic performance of the ragas, solo or accompanied by tabla. He has studied since 1972 under maestro Ali Akbar Khan, considered the greatest living exponent of this art form. Performing on the sarod, David Trasoff brings out the widest range of musical mood and color, from meditative tranquility to dynamic excitement. He has appeared in concert in arts centers, universities, conservatories and festivals throughout the United States, India, Europe and Asia.

Ustad Zakir Hussain
Zakir Hussain is today appreciated not only in the field of percussion, but also in the music world at large, as an international phenomenon. A classical tabla virtuoso of the highest order, his consistently brilliant and exciting performances have gained him fame all over the world for his many accomplishments. Before he was 25 years old, Zakir had already accompanied every major artist in the Indian classical world, including Ali Akbar Khan, Ravi Shankar and Vilayat Khan. Zakir has single-handedly expanded the scope of classical Indian percussion through his pioneering fusion work with such artists as George Harrison, John Mclaughlin, Mickey Hart, and Jan Garbarek in addition to appearing as accompanist on dozens of classical albums. His music and music direction for the 1985 Merchant-Ivory film Heat and Dust , in which he also acted a starring role opposite Julie Christie, were nominated for awards at the Cannes Film Festival. In 1988, Zakir played on the Amnesty International tour and released an acclaimed album of original material on the ECM label, MakingMusic. He won a Grammy award in 1993 for his participation with Mickey Hart on Planet Drum.