A deeply meditative rendition of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan's rare creation, Raga Chandranandan, by the celebrated Kedia Brothers transformed an AIR Ranchi concert into an unforgettable spiritual and musical experience. Utpal Datta reports.

As part of the 90th anniversary celebrations of All India Radio, a remarkable classical music concert at AIR Ranchi showcased the rare and evocative Raga Chandranandan. Performed by the internationally acclaimed Kedia Brothers, Manoj Kedia and Mor Mukut Kedia, disciples of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi, the recital demonstrated the enduring beauty of the Maihar gharana tradition. Music critic Utpal Dutta reflects on an evening where technical brilliance, emotional depth, and spiritual introspection merged seamlessly through one of Hindustani classical music's most captivating contemporary ragas. 

The beauty of Raga Chandranandan can be compared to the mystical charm of a full moon shining amidst a star-studded sky. Rather than being an ancient raga, it is a contemporary creation of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. Within its notes, one can catch subtle whispers of Ragas Malkauns, Chandrakauns, Nandkauns, and Kaushi Kanada. The deliberate use of komal gandhar (flat third) and komal dhaivat (flat sixth) infuses the raga with a deeply meditative and melancholic weight.

A defining feature of Chandranandan is its use of long, sweeping meends (glides) and expansive phrasing. This technique makes the melody flow effortlessly, drawing the listener into deep contemplation. The raga truly comes alive in vilambit laya (slow tempo), where the focus shifts away from rapid-fire taans or technical showmanship, prioritising emotional depth and aesthetic mood instead. It evokes a beautiful musical blend of peace, solitude, and introspective sorrow. Though rarely performed, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan's own rendition of this raga can be found on YouTube.

AIR Ranchi's Tribute to a Rare Musical Masterpiece

To mark its 90th anniversary, All India Radio (AIR) has been organising a series of musical events. For a special concert hosted by AIR Ranchi, this very raga was chosen. The artists invited to perform were the globally acclaimed Kedia Brothers—Manoj Kedia and Mor Mukut Kedia. Belonging to the Maihar gharana, the brothers are disciples of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Annapurna Devi.

There was a time when Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and Pandit Ravi Shankar captivated audiences with their legendary sarod-sitar jugalbandis. Following in those illustrious footsteps, the Kedia Brothers have crossed the golden jubilee milestone of their own duet performances.

Kedia Brothers and the Living Legacy of the Maihar Gharana

While the brothers performed short pieces in Raga Mishra Pilu and Mishra Khambaj at the AIR Ranchi event, their principal presentation was Raga Chandranandan. The performance was a breathtaking display of deep musical insight, aesthetic restraint, and artistic maturity. The gradual and unhurried manner in which they unveiled the raga lent the entire rendition a profound reflective quality.

During the alaap (introductory movement), the beauty of each note emerged naturally and gently. It is often said in classical music that the silent, unuttered spaces between two notes create the most intimate musical atmosphere; this performance proved that beautifully. Every phrase seemed to breathe, allowing the audience to absorb the emotional essence of the raga rather than merely its structure.

Where Technical Excellence Meets Emotional Depth

One of the standout elements of the evening was the perfect balance between technical mastery and emotional resonance. The elaboration of the raga was graced with subtle gamaks (oscillations), controlled note structures, and restrained, thoughtful ornamentation. The transition from the alaap to the medium and fast tempos reflected a highly cohesive musical thought process.

The brothers demonstrated that virtuosity need not be loud or flamboyant. Their command over the raga's architecture remained evident throughout, yet every technical flourish served the larger emotional narrative rather than drawing attention to itself. 

Nowadays, many classical artists lean towards flamboyant styles to instantly gratify audiences. In contrast, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan's music was always prayerful, solemn, and deeply devotional—a quality equally reflected in Annapurna Devi's playing. The Kedia Brothers remained entirely true to their gurus' legacy.

Emotionally, their performance carried a quiet yet intense gravity. Steering clear of dramatic gestures and overt theatricality, the duo consistently maintained an introspective and soulful ambience. Their music invited contemplation rather than excitement, reflection rather than spectacle.

Music Beyond Performance: A Spiritual Experience

The true aesthetic beauty of the performance lay in its sheer sincerity and unbroken musical consciousness. In their hands, the raga ceased to be a mere technical framework and became a living vessel for emotion and spiritual connection.

What emerged over the course of the evening was not simply a recital but an immersive experience in which artist, instrument, and listener seemed united by a common emotional and spiritual thread.

Shrijit Chatterjee's highly sensitive tabla accompaniment enriched the performance even further. The dialogue between the percussion and the artists' spontaneous melodic improvisations never felt overpowering. Instead, his gentle and intelligent support deepened the concert's meditative quality.

His playing demonstrated an acute understanding of balance, allowing the melodic narrative to remain at the forefront while simultaneously enriching its rhythmic foundation.

A Concert That Honoured the Soul of Classical Music

Overall, the performance succeeded in creating a profound classical music experience. It was a memorable evening that valued the inherent gravity and soul of music over superficial flashiness.

The event's production was seamlessly organised, creating a serene environment perfectly suited to classical music. In such concerts, commentary plays a vital role. Delivered with clarity, restraint, and cultural sensitivity, the announcements enhanced the experience rather than disrupting the artistic flow, drawing the audience closer to the music.

This broadcast beautifully reflected and honoured Akashvani Ranchi's cultural vision. More importantly, it reaffirmed the enduring power of Indian classical music to create moments of introspection, beauty, and transcendence in an increasingly restless world.