Master Krishnarao's Live Mehfil
A Rare Musical Treasure! - Master Krishnarao's live Mehfil from the 1950s
Master Krishnarao was known as "Mehfil ke Badshah". But, there was almost no recording of long duration where one could listen to the voice of the Master in his prime. For there was no equipment that could easily record a live concert till late 40s.
Until an elaborate "wire" recording of his mehfil became available and reached us.
A Magical Morning !
This beautiful morning mehfil from the 50s was held on the auspicious day of Bhaiduj during Diwali at Bharat Gayan Samaj - music school formed by Master's guru Pt. Bhaskarbuwa Bakhale. This mehfil was presided by Pune's the then Municipal Commissioner, Shri. Sadashiv Govind Barve (alias Sa Go Barve).
The Sublime Singing !
Master Krishnarao was famous for his repertoire of unusual ragas.Here, he sings a traditional bandish "aaj maujud bhaye" in raga Shivmat Bhairav. After that, he sings a bandish "eri maiko naahi" in raga Barwa and one more self-composed bandish "kanhaiyya awo rey" in the anavat raga Gandhari. Then, he lightens the mood by singing the film song "muraliwale tum jawab do" in raga Mishra Pahadi. This is the song from Prabhat Film Company's hindi movie Lakharani which was released in 1945. Its music director is Master himself and the lyricist is Qamar Jalalabadi. In this mehfil, he also renders a self-composed bandish "raain gai bhai bhor" in Bhatiyar and sings a traditional tarana in Jaunpuri.
This lively mehfil ends with melodious Bhairavi "Bhai Ve Tori Saawro" from the collection of Shaikh Raahat Ali of Baroda.
The Archival Recording !
This timeless classic was first acquired by Shri. Chandra Pai. Later, he entrusted scholarly vocalist Pandit Ulhasji Kashalkar with this treasure trove.
A select group of renowned classical artists and music lovers gathered at Krishnarao's residence to enjoy this recording. Pt. Ulhasji spontaneously explained the nuances of Krishnarao Phulambrikar's gayaki. He then played some recording and finally handed over the recording to the Phulambrikar family.
Pt. Ulhasji Kashalkar's Thoughts !
Pt. Ulhasji said, "This is the live "wire" recording of Master Krishnarao's mehfil held around the year 1950 which is clearly audible, perfect in its condition, and having high-quality sound."
Later he said, "It is a sheer joy to hear Master Krishnarao's melodious singing and compositions. My guruji Pt. Rambhau Marathe had taught me bandish"aaj maujud bhaye" in raga Shivmat Bhairav."
Pt. Ulhasji added, "I did not have the privilege of listening to Master Krishnarao sing in a live mehfil, but my guruji Pt. Gajananbuwa Joshi used to often tell us -- his disciples -- that every mehfil presented by Master Krishnarao was a great success with masses as well as classes."
Joy for All !
Now, the golden mehfil has been uploaded on Master Krishnarao's website. The Phulambrikar family expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Chandra Pai and Pt. Ulhasji Kashalkar for their efforts. It's a great contribution to the archives of Indian Classical Vocal Music !