The Art Of The Indian Santoor

Tarun Bhattacharya released The Art of the Indian Santoor on January 1, 2002. The album serves as a solo instrumental recording centered on the santoor, a trapezoidal hammered dulcimer integral to Hindustani classical music. Bhattacharya composed and performed all tracks, showcasing traditional raag-based improvisations alongside a light classical piece.

The release comprises four tracks. Bhattacharya opens with Raag Yaman (Alaap, Jod, Jhala), a detailed exploration of the raag through its three developmental stages: the unmetered alaap, the rhythmic jod, and the fast-paced jhala. The second and third tracks interpret Raag Hament in two taal (rhythmic cycle) variations: Jhaptaal (10 beats) and Teentaal (16 beats). The album concludes with a light classical piece based on Raag Misra Pahadi, blending melodic accessibility with improvisational techniques.

The format of the release remains unspecified in available documentation, though the work aligns with conventional audio album standards of the period. No label information is confirmed for this release. Bhattacharya’s performance emphasizes the santoor’s capacity for expressive meend (glissando) and intricate taan (melodic patterns), characteristic of the Seniya Maihar gharana tradition he represents.

The album contributes to the documentation of the santoor’s evolution in 20th- and 21st-century Hindustani music, particularly through Bhattacharya’s adaptations of vocal khayal techniques to the instrument. Further details on production credits, recording locations, or alternate editions are not publicly verified.