This book presents a collection of essays and lectures written by the author between 2011 and 2018. Its underlying theme - as suggested by its title - is the uniqueness of the relationship between the Hindustani musician and his art. This uniqueness is moulded by the fact that the tradition enjoins upon the performer the simultaneous role of a composer. This makes Hindustani music a three-dimensional art: contemplative, expressive and communicative.