Ustad Imdad Khan (1848-1920) was a sitar player in India in the early 20th century. He is said to be the first sitar player ever recorded. In this example, we can hear the beauty of his playing.
His father, born Sahib Singhet, was rejected as a student of khyal vocalist Haddu Khan – so spent seven years secretly listening to Haddu’s practice sessions trying to learn despite the rejection. When he was finally discovered, his determination and love for music won him a place as a disciple (student). He converted to Islam and became Sahabdad Khan.
He taught his son, Imdad Khan, to play sitar over the course of twelve years. He was also taught by Ustad Bande Ali Khan. Imdad Khan
Khan’s playing and success became so influential that he became the patriarch of a musical lineage that includes his son Ustad Enayat Khan, his grandson Ustad Vilayat Khan, and his great-grandsons Ustad Shahid Parvez, Ustad Nishat Khan, Ustad Irshad Khan, and Ustad Shujaat Khan – all masters of the sitar or subahar.
I have tried to faithfully transfer this early acoustic recording, from a somewhat worn copy, with minimal treatment to improve sound quality without compromising the music itself.
This one-sided record with etched Gramophone backplate (seen in video) is believed to have been recorded in 1904.
Released as Gramophone Concert Record G.C.-17364
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