Zohrabai
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Zohrabai (1868-1913) was one of the most noted and influential singers of Hindustani Classical Music from the early 1900s. Her name is also written Zohra Bai, or Zohrabai Agrewali. Along with Gauhar Jan, she marks the dying phase of the courtesan[1] singing tradition in Indian classical music.
She belonged to the Agra gharana (lit. Agrewali = from Agra). She was trained by Ustad Sher Khan, Ustad Kallan Khan and the noted composer Mehboob Khan (Daras Piya)[2]. She was known both for khayal as well as lighter varieties including Thumri and Ghazals which she learned from Ahmad Khan of Dhaka. Her singing influenced Ustad Faiyaz Khan, the greatest name in the Agra Gharana in modern times, and even Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan of the Patiala Gharana held her in high regard.
Only short pieces by her survive in a number of 78 rpm recordings[3], including the notable 1909 pieces matki more re goras in raga Jaunpuri or dekhen ko man lalchay (Sohni)[4].
[edit] References
- ^ India Today, [www.india-today.com/itoday/millennium/100people/faiyaz.html Faiyaz Khan] profile.
- ^ Zohra Bai - Tribute to a Maestro
- ^ [http://courses.nus.edu.sg/course/ellpatke/Miscellany/zohrabai.htm Zohrabai "Agrewali": List of 78 rpm recordings]
- ^ A number of her 78 rpm recordings can be heard at Patrick Moutal's website
