UW Ethnomusicology Archives session recordings: Z.M. Dagar and Raja C. Singh, 1976-06-06

Overview of the Collection

Creator
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
Title
UW Ethnomusicology Archives session recordings: Z.M. Dagar and Raja C. Singh
Dates
1976-06-06
Quantity
1 items  :  2001-25.1 EC - 1 vct (VHS); 2001-25.2 EC - 1 vct (Betacam SP); 2001-25.1 WD - 1 DVD (from VHS copy); 2001-25.2 WD - 1 DVD (from Betacam SP copy); Duration: 00:22:00
Collection Number
2001025
Summary
Copy of the session recordings of Z.M Dagar and Raja C. Singh, recorded and filmed on June 6, 1976 at the University of Washington.
Repository
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
University of Washington
Ethnomusicology Archives
Box 353450
Seattle, WA
98195-3450
Telephone: 2065430974
ethnoarc@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Access is restricted.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar was the world's most renowned exponent of India's Rudra veena , the instrumental ancestor of the Sitar. He was also one of the few masters of Dhrupad , the slow, austere, meditative traditional music still performed as it was centuries ago by Dagar forefathers in the Mughal courts. He was born on March 14, 1929, in the town of Udaipur,Rajasthan. He began his training under the tutelage of his father , Ustad Ziauddin Khan Dagar, court musician for the Maharaj of Udaipur. He had performed all over the world and also he was affiliated with the American society of eastern arts in Berkeley, California and taught for many years at the university of Washington in Seattle and Rotterdam Music Conservatory in Holland. In 1990 , Ustad was awarded by Kalidas Samman, one of the most prestigious award of the country , by M.P. Government. He had also received Sangeet Natak Academy Award , Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy award, Maharana Kumbha award and many more.

Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar redesigned and innovated the traditional veena. His contribution in improving the sound of Veena is historical. He added more deeper and base sound to the playing of veena. He captured the subtle unique character of each Raga often depends on accentuating the sharp ,flat or very flat qualities of certain notes; and it was the perfect rendering of these subtleties that became a Dagar trademark. In a deliberate and unhurried fashion , he unfolded and revealed each note of the Alap movement , the slow , serene solo exposition of Raga – hypnotically, hauntingly coaxing and stretching the most delicately shaded nuances , the notes between the notes, from the thick bronze strings.

- Dhrupad.org

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Performers: Zia Mohiuddin Dagar/rudravina; Raja Chhatrapati Singh/pakhawaj; Ann Mancke/tambura.

Copy of original unpublished 16mm color film recorded by Robert Garfias (camera) & Fred Lieberman (sound); audio recorded with Nagra III, Shure SM57 mics (2), Ampex 407; filmed with EFB film ASA-125, f8, 5.6.

For audio originals see collection AW1 N. India/76-15.

Contents note from original archive sheet:

a) Raga: Suddhatodi; Tala: Chautal; very short alap-jor- composition in chautal (12) (Note: Picture cuts out at 10:59; sound continues to 11:27)

b) Pakhawaj playing Brahma Tal //: + o + + o + + + o + + + + o://

Basic speed - Dugun (2) Ari (1 1/2) Dhaigun (2 1/2); Chakeradar [sp.?] - spoken then played (twice instead of 3 times - mistake; then played different chakeradar [sp.?] correctly); then 1 1/2 and 3 speed (including tihai) - Uppaj (improvisation).

Film master transferred to Betacam SP and VHS (produced by Alpha Video) 9/2001; DVD copy of VHS copy produced 2/2012 (2001-25.1 WD); DVD copy of Betacam SP copy (produced by UWTV; includes timecode) 2/2013 (2001-25.2 WD); VHS copy digitized 3/2015 (file saved - 2001-25.1.mov)

Documentation: Film log

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Description Dates
2001025-0001: Z.M. Dagar/Rudra Vina; Raja C. Singh/Pakhawaj
1 optical media : DVD - unpublished; Tracks: 5
1976-06-06

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Classical Music, Hindustani
  • Dhrupad
  • Ethnomusicology
  • Pakhawaj
  • Rudra Vina
  • Video recordings in ethnomusicology

Geographical Names

  • Asia
  • India--Asia--South Asia
  • North India
  • Seattle (Wash.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Video recordings

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Dagar, Zia Mohiuddin, 1929-1990 (performer)
    • Singh, Raja C. (performer)