Ustad Vilayat Khan was a luminary in the world of Indian classical music, renowned for his singular virtuosity and deeply expressive performances on the sitar. Born in 1928 in Gouripur, present-day Bangladesh, he came from a lineage of distinguished musicians and was trained under the tutelage of his father, Ustad Enayat Khan, and later, his uncle, Ustad Zinda Hassan. Khan began his performing career early, gaining recognition for his exceptional ability and innovative technique that would eventually reshape the sitar's role in Indian music.

Widely acclaimed for his evocative interpretation of ragas and his refinement of the gayaki ang, which mimics the nuances of the human voice, Vilayat Khan imposed his own distinctive style onto the classical framework. His legacy includes not only an extensive discography that showcases his mastery over the instrument and his deep understanding of musical aesthetics but also a significant influence on both contemporaries and successive generations of sitar players. Khan's work encompasses solo performances, duets with other musical maestros, and numerous accolades, ensuring his celebrated status in the pantheon of Indian classical music. He passed away on March 13, 2004, but his musical philosophy and contributions continue to resonate through the many students he mentored and music lovers worldwide.

Genres

Hindustani Classical

Indian Classical

Sitar

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Latest Release

Bhairav Bahar - Raag On Sitar

Traditional•

Vilayat Khan•

Zakir Hussain

Single - Released July 21, 2024