Brij Narayan, the eldest son and disciple of the
world-renowned Sarangi maestro Pandit Ram Narayan, was born in Udaipur,
Rajasthan in 1952. Brij Narayan became greatly fascinated by the sound of the
Sarod and began his musical training soon after under his father whose powerful
musicality and adaptability to a wide range of 'gharanas', provided him the
tools to develop his own original style. An outstanding outcome of this
experience enabled Brij Narayan to incorporate a bow-like quality to his
plectrum. The influence of his father's Sarangi style is evident in his
playing. Another feature of his father's training is the method of 'Raag
vistaar' or development of a raag. Pt. Ram Narayan's extensive experience with
accompanying some of the greatest vocalists of the time provided him with a
deep insight into the theory of traditional performance methods.
Pandit Ram Narayan employed the finer nuances of these music
schools and has successfully developed a system of performance that is unique.
Brij Narayan has fully embraced the traditional system and is able to express
his music with the confidence and mastery that comes from sound training.
Brij Narayan also acknowledges the tremendous influence of
Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Chaturlal, his uncle who gave initial introduction
to the science of rhythm, remains one of the strongest elements of his style of
playing.