Cassius Khan Music

I am very saddened to inform you all on the death of the God of Pakhawaj, Pandit Bhavani Shankar Ji. May his soul travel on yo new adventures 🥲🥲❤️❤️🌹🌹

Remembering Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan Ji 🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏
(25 Nov 1956 - 17 Dec 2020)

Born as Ram Tanu Pande, Tansen is fondly regarded in the annals of history as one the greatest Indian musicians. He was an accomplished vocalist, musician, & composer. His fame as an accomplished musician was wide spread across India & it was not long till he gained the attention of the Timurid-Mughal emperor Akbar. Formerly employed by Raja Ramchandra Singh, Akbar had requested the Raja to send Tansen to his court. His patron being aware of the benefits which Tansen would obtain at the Timurid court had him sent despite Tansen's initial refusal.

Tansen arrived at the Timurid court in his late 50s & quickly earnt the favours of Akbar. Overwhelmed by the magic created by Tansen's music & soothing voice, Akbar is said to have praised Tansen as the most accomplished musician of the day, bestowing upon him the honorific "Mian" (Learned).

The year 1589 marked a sorrowful chord in history as Tansen breathed his last, leaving behind a silence that reverberated throughout the Timurid court. Akbar, deeply grieved by the loss noted that he was mourning the annihilation of melody itself. As a tribute, Tansen was laid to rest in Gwalior, next to his revered Sufi master Sheikh Ghaus Gwaliri, the patron saint of Tansen.

In a grandiose display of homage, a state funeral unfolded, musicians & singers accompanying Tansen's procession, weaving harmonies that seemed to bridge the earthly realm with the celestial, as if preparing for his soul's melodious journey.

Even today, the legacy of Tansen continues to sing its song. Each December, Gwalior hosts the Tansen Samaroh, an annual festival where echoes of his genius resound, celebrating the enduring spirit of this musical luminary. Tansen's melodies remain etched in the fabric of time, a testament to his immortal legacy that continues to enrapture hearts and transcend ages.

Enjoying my moments in Studio 1B for the Massey Theatre Eighth&Eight Artist Residency. I am working on some Qaidahs from Delhi as well as a few new relas I have composed with twisted finger techniques! I hope to present them to a full audience soon❤️

I have been made aware of this post by a number of people who have asked me if KVP Heritage is sponsoring or supporting our Mushtari Begum Festival as it has been led to perceive.

As the Producer of the MBF, I would like to clarify that KVP Heritage is not affiliated or sponsoring or supporting our Mushtari Begum Festival.

There have been some misunderstandings about this post and I am publicly declaring this here.

Thank you all.

https://www.eighthandeight.com/cassius-khan-professional-artist-in-residence/

Cassius Khan: Professional Artist in Residence – Eighth & Eight Prev Wednesday July 12th 2023 Author Ashton Ramsay topics Profile Residency Cassius Khan: Professional Artist in Residence This fall at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces we will be welcoming professional artists into our studios to create new or expand on existing work for young audiences. Each artist....

I am very saddened to hear that the pillar of the Agra Gharana of vocal, Pt Yashpal passed away today on Guru Poornima.

I will never forget this moment when he presented me with flowers after our concert where Pt Salil Bhatt and I played together at Guruma Shobha Koser’s Pracheen Kalakendra in Chandigarh, India. He was so loving and kind and gave me many blessings after hearing my tabla.

May his beautiful soul travel on to new adventures 🥲🙏🏽❤️

September 23: The 12th Annual Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance

One of the premiere festivals celebrating Indian Classical Music and Dance, Kathak/Harmonium maestra Amika Kushwaha will dazzle the audience with stupendous footwork patterns and blinding pirouettes, while Ghazal/Tabla Wizard Cassius Khan combines the classical styles of Ghazal/Thumri singing and the Tabla. More artists to be announced.

Tickets: https://www.masseytheatre.com/event/12th-annual-mushtari-begum-festival/