Rāg Madhuvantī / Rāg Miśra Tilang

Rāg Madhuvantī / Rāg Miśra Tilang is a studio album by Indian classical musician Shivkumar Sharma, released on January 1, 1988. The album features two extended renditions of Hindustani classical raga compositions performed on the santoor, an instrument Sharma popularized in Indian classical music. The release format remains unspecified but aligns with the era’s prevalence of LP records and audio cassettes.

Sharma composed and performed both tracks on the album. The first track presents Rāg Madhuvantī, a raga associated with the late evening or early night thāt (modal framework) and characterized by its use of komal re (flattened second) and komal dha (flattened sixth). The second track features Rāg Miśra Tilang, a blend of Tilang and other melodic elements, often performed in the late evening with a lively, rhythmic structure. The album omits accompanying artists or label information in available records.

The recording captures Sharma’s signature style, marked by intricate jhala (fast percussive strokes) and sustained alaap (unmetered improvisation) sections. The track durations are not documented, but the album’s two-track structure suggests extended explorations typical of classical releases from the period. No commercial reissues or digital remasters have been confirmed in public sources.

Critics and historians often cite Sharma’s 1980s output as a pivotal phase in his career, during which he refined the santoor’s role in solo classical performance. This album contributes to that body of work, though specific reception details or chart performance remain undocumented. The release year places it amid Sharma’s prolific period, which included collaborations with flute virtuoso Hariprasad Chaurasia and other prominent artists.