The 80 Minute Râga

The 80 Minute Râga is a studio album by Indian classical musician Ali Akbar Khan. Released on January 1, 1969, the recording presents a single extended performance of Rag Kanara Prakaar in the Hindustani classical tradition. Khan performs on the sarod, accompanied by an unspecified tabla player.

The album spans four tracks that divide the raga into structured sections. The first two tracks, Rag Kanara Prakaar-Alap (Part 1) and Rag Kanara Prakaar-Alap (Part 2), feature the alap, an unmetered improvisational introduction. The final two tracks, Rag Kanara Prakaar-Gat (Part 1) and Rag Kanara Prakaar-Gat (Part 2), introduce rhythmic composition and development. The total runtime approximates eighty minutes, as indicated by the album title.

Khan composed and arranged the performance, adhering to the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) gat forms characteristic of the raga. The recording label remains undocumented in available sources. The album exemplifies Khan’s mastery of the Maihar gharana style, emphasizing deep tonal exploration and intricate melodic phrasing.

No additional production credits, alternate editions, or reissue details are confirmed. The tracklist and release date derive from primary discographic references, though supplementary contextual information about the recording session or accompanying artists is incomplete.