Music of India No. 2

Music of India No. 2 is a 1963 Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. The release features two extended performances in the Hindustani classical tradition. EMI India issued the recording under its classical imprint.

Vilayat Khan performs Raga Suha Sugrai on the first side. The alap begins in slow meditative phrases and gradually accelerates through jor and jhala sections. The composition adheres to the raga’s prescribed ascent and descent patterns, emphasizing its characteristic komal re and shuddha dha swaras. Khan employs meend, gamak, and krintan techniques to articulate the raga’s emotional contours.

The second track is a Thumree in Raga Piloo. Vilayat Khan delivers the light classical form with vocalized sitar phrases. The performance follows the traditional thumree structure, alternating antara and sanchari segments. Khan incorporates bol-banao patterns and rhythmic improvisations over a slow teental cycle. The recording captures the interplay between melody and rhythm typical of the thumree genre.

The album’s release date is listed as January 1, 1963. The original format was a 12-inch vinyl LP. No additional musicians or accompanists are credited on the release. Further details about recording location, production personnel, or subsequent reissues are not available in the provided context.