On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Music Today launches "Melodies at Dusk", a brand new album by flute maestro, Rakesh Chaurasia. This is the first ever Indian Classical album of Rakesh Chaurasia with Music Today.
Being the nephew of the flute maestro, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Rakesh Chaurasia is carrying the legacy forward with great elan. Following in the footsteps of the Flute legend Hariprasad Chaurasia, the creator of the album "Melodies at Dusk", his torchbearer Rakesh Chaurasia resurrects the popular Ragas in his own unique charm and style adding to its lovely flavour.
As the name of the album says, this collection brings along the beautiful Ragas sung in the evening and late evening. It starts with Bhimpalasi, a lovely raga of the Kafi thaat, a very pleasing late afternoon and evening raga. This is followed by the playful raga Hamsadhwani of the Bilawal thaat and then by a Dhun on the romantic Pahadi.
Rakesh Chaurasia, the nephew and child prodigy of flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, has a famous name to live up to. Amongst the promising musicians of the second generation, Rakesh has carved a niche for himself, as an accomplished flautist. Incorporating the tradition of his renowned uncle and infusing his personal style, he has evolved a style which while maintaining the purity of the flute manages to capture the attention of the young listeners too. The most accomplished of disciples of his uncle, however, shows all the promise to carry the Chaurasia legacy to new heights. Rakesh has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He received the Indian Music Academy Award, presented by the Honourable President Of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in 2007, the Aditya Birla Kalakiran Puraskar in 2008, the Guru Shishya Award in 2011, IWAP-Pandit Jasraj Sangeet Ratna Award in 2013 and the Pannalal Ghosh Puraskar 2013.