Date:22/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082210840500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Governor, Chief Minister mourn maestro

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Governor T.N. Chaturvedi and Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy have condoled the death of shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan.

In his condolence message, Mr. Chaturvedi said, "I am extremely distressed to hear of the sad demise of Bharat Ratna Bismillah Khan, the master of the shehnai."

Enchanting melody, improvisation and emotional exuberance were the features of Bismillah Khan's music, which helped him to achieve an instant rapport with his audience. His style was so distinct that even with the sounding of the initial notes, listeners immediately recognised the unmistakable mark of the master, he said.

Bismillah Khan had the dual honour of playing at the Red Fort on August 15, 1947, the day India became Independent and again on August 15, 1997, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Independence, the Governor said.

The world of music became poorer today and it would be hard to fill the void left by his death, he said.

Mr. Kumaraswamy in his message said, "Bismillah Khan had extolled music and communicated with divinity with his shehnai."

Leader of Opposition in the Assembly N. Dharam Singh said that he was one of the millions who were enchanted by the music of the Bismillah Khan. The world had lost a musical genius, he said.

The State Government declared a day's mourning on Monday for the passing away of shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan in Varanasi.

The Government ordered flying of the national flag at half-mast on all government buildings and no official entertainment programmes were held in the State.