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Ghazal ka Safar - Introduction and Foreword

Sprout

2006-05-09 04:18:59

In early '90s, HMV had released a 10 cassette set called "Ghazal ka Safar" It was a priceless collection, almost a treasure. HMV had released an edited version of the same as five CDs, but I hope they release the entire series on compact disc, because I for one would want this as a part of my compact disc repertoire.

Recently, HMV has re-released this treasure in cassette format and I urge most Ghazal fans to buy this collection, because it is one of the best Ghazal compilation series. The pity is that in the original series, there was a booklet, which in itself was a treasure, but with the new re-release, the booklet is missing.

So I thought that since you all appreciate good poetry and if one is unable to source this compilation, one would at least get a fair idea as to what Ghazals were chosen to be part of this magnificent repertoire.

If I find the link to the Ghazal that I would post weekly, I would include it and that's a promise.

Till then, let me start this journey with introduction and forewords by Gulzar Saab and Jagjit Singh.

I once again, urge die-hard Ghazal fans to source this collection, because it is really worth it.

Here's to all the lovers of poetry!

Cheers!

___

INTRODUCTION

GHAZAL KA SAFAR

This 10 cassette set collection is a tribute to the most elegant form of music - the Ghazal

Ghazal ka Safar is a journey in time, through the modern history of recorded Ghazal.

It begins with the '40s, with Ghazals rendered by K L Saigal and culminates in the '90s with Jagjit Singh and his younger contemporaries

The span of five decades includes artistes who are today better known in the world of music and who became 'specialist' Ghazal singers. It offers the greatest works of poetry ever written, from the time of Wali Deccani, Bahadur Shah Zafar and Mirza Ghalib to Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi and Qateel Shifai.

Ghazal ka Safar has been created with the help of a master poet and one of India's most creative personalities, Gulzar and the charismatic pioneer of the modern Ghazal, Jagjit Singh.

Gulzar and Jagjit Singh have derived deep into HMV's historical archives in creating this collection. The gramophone co. of India Ltd remains grateful to them.

Ghazal ka Safar is HMV's tribute to all those poets, composers and Ghazal singers, who have made this form an integral part of music culture.

HMV dedicates Ghazal ka Safar to the poet and the lover, in each of you.

___

FOREWORD BY GULZAR

Yeh ghazal ka safar hai, let's start travelling with this lovely companion, the Ghazal.

The Ghazal was originally a form of poetry, but with time it has come to be known as a form of 'Gayaki' as well - Ghazal singing today is a specialised rendering. Poetry holds prime position in this form. The words create a magic and the singer casts a spell over the listener.

Every couplet becomes an experience. There is an element of surprise and wonder; that is how, people burst into 'wah-wahs' at the completion of each couplet.

We are taking you on a journey with this glamorous form - a journey through the years of Ghazal recordings. No such journey can be total or conclusive. We can only present some landmarks and milestones in this journey, from the recorded treasures of HMV. The Ghazal maestro, Jagjit Singh has helped to excavated the jewels and arrange the glittering, golden voices in this ornamental package.

A galaxy of singers is before you. don't choose your favourites; listen to them all! You might have missed some of them earlier.

There are poets too! From one of the earliest Ghazal poets like Wali Deccani to the most modern poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Qateel Shifai and our very own Majrooh Sultanpuri and Sahir Ludhianvi.

The poet of poets, GHALIB is present over all the decades - from the very beginning in the voice of K.L Saigal and in modern times in the voice of Jagjit Singh! He is old and new, classic and modern at the same time, thus proving that Ghazal poetry has endured over the years - all that has changed are the singing styles and orchestral and recording techniques.

This collection has the most impressive line up of poets and singers.

I pray you like this journey - Yeh Ghazal ka Safar hai!

Happy Listening

Gulzar

___

FOREWORD BY JAGJIT SINGH

Since my early years I have been a keen student of music and avidly listened to Classical music, non-film Ghazals as well as film music and developed an understanding of 'Shairi', 'Gayaki' and composition. Ghazal, film and non-film, was my favourite form of music. May be it is the many years of listening to the great singers, composers and studying Urdu literature that has helped me receive so much appreciation in my own efforts.

Ghazal Ka Safar was a good opportunity for me to go down the years and extricate those gems that have been a major part of the Ghazal's journey. HMV's catalogue is so vast and rich that it was indeed a challenging task.

Gulzar and I have tried to represent the cream of poets, artistes and composers in this priceless collection.

Jagjit Singh

Shona

2006-05-09 16:41:11


	Sprout You spoil us - truly ...... I am grateful to you and I should sign off now as I don't want to become over emotional.

Sprout

2006-05-11 05:17:27

I'm Supertramp
	Shona said: Sprout You spoil us - truly ...... I am grateful to you and I should sign off now as I don't want to become over emotional. Shona – Sorry I read this a little late! May I just say, “Aw”! That was the first reaction I had when I read your post! “Soch Nahi Yahan Samaajh Ki Zaroorat Hoti Hai, Ek Samaajhdar Bhi Mehfil Kehlaata Hai!” I hope y’all will understand what I am trying to say! I just decided to share my passions, if I spoil you in the process, I think that’s a fantastic thing. More people should spoil in that case! :) You know I am extremely joyful that I started this journey. I don’t think I deserve gratefulness, I think nothing in this world happens without a reason. By the way, emotions – even over emotional stance is necessary when it comes to Ghazal, because without emotions – Ghazals can never be appreciated! Majrooh Sultanpuri was not kidding, when he wrote, "Main Akela Hi Chala Tha, Janib-e-Manzil Magar, Log Saath Aate Gaye Aur Caravan Banta Gaya" So here’s to the Caravan! Cheers!