A jugalbandhi refers to a concert where two musicians perform together and present different styles of Indian music.

After the Bollywood hit number Kajra re from the movie Bunty aur Babli the episode begins with a Carnatic-Hindustani jugalbandhi vocal concert by M.Balamuralikrishna and Kishori Amonkar. There are several melodies or ragas that are common to both Hindustani and Carnatic music. The ragas carry the same musical notes yet their presentation style is unique. The two stalwarts here present raag Puriya Dhanashri. Raag Puriya Dhanashri in Hindustani music corresponds to raga Pantuvarali in Carnatic music.

Yehudi Menuhin, the famous violinist of western music talked about his association with Hindustani sitarist Pandit Ravi Shankar in an interview. He said “Where did this music come from?” is a question which interests both of us. This year we have experienced a most fascinating journey learning about the origins of gypsy music together.” This rendition of raag Pilu by both the maestros gives an idea what he was talking about.

Can the soft notes of the flute blend with the human voice? Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia playing the bansuri (flute) along with Hindustani vocalist Pandit Jasraj shows the divine connect as they present a song in raag Kedar. The episode ends with Kadri Gopalnath playing a perky light classical song on the saxophone with A.K.Palanival on the thavil.

Click here to listen to RaagTime Episode 6 – Jugalbandhis.