Classical Melodies on the Santoor

Shivkumar Sharma released Classical Melodies on the Santoor in 1968. The album features solo santoor performances, including Raga Malkauns in a 16-beat cycle. It helped establish the santoor in Indian

Classical Melodies on the Santoor is an Indian classical music album by santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. The album was released on January 1, 1968. It features instrumental performances on the santoor, a traditional hammered dulcimer from the Kashmir region of India.

Shivkumar Sharma recorded the album as a solo artist. The primary format of the release is an audio recording. The label for the album is not specified in available sources.

The album contains three tracks. The first track, Raga Malkauns: Alap - Jod Vilambit - Drut - Teen Taal, presents a full exploration of Raga Malkauns. Sharma performs the alap, jod, vilambit, and drut sections in Teen Taal, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle. The second track, Raga Hansadhwani: Teen Taal, showcases Raga Hansadhwani, a pentatonic raga often associated with morning performances. The third track, Raga Mishra Khamaj: Rupak Taal, features Raga Mishra Khamaj, a light classical raga, set to Rupak Taal, a 7-beat rhythmic cycle.

Shivkumar Sharma established the santoor as a prominent instrument in Indian classical music through this and subsequent recordings. The album remains a foundational work in the santoor repertoire.