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About Surbahar
Surbahar is a 1995 Indian classical music album by Irshad Khan. The release features performances on the surbahar, a plucked string instrument in the lute family. It serves as a primary example of the dhrupad and khayal traditions within the Maihar gharana. The album was released on January 1, 1995, under an unspecified label.
Irshad Khan recorded the album with a track count of two. The first track, "Raga Jansanmohini - Alap," presents the alap section of Raga Jansanmohini. This segment establishes the raga’s melodic framework through slow, unmetered improvisation. The second track, "Raga Jansanmohini - Jor & Jhala," continues the performance with the jor and jhala sections. The jor introduces a rhythmic pulse, while the jhala accelerates the tempo with rapid plucking patterns.
The album focuses on the expansive exploration of Raga Jansanmohini, a raga associated with the late afternoon. The surbahar’s deep tonal range allows Khan to emphasize the raga’s lower octaves, distinguishing it from performances on the sitar. The recording captures the instrument’s resonant sustain and microtonal nuances.
Irshad Khan, a descendant of the Imdadkhani gharana, trained under his father, Ustad Vilayat Khan. His approach to the surbahar reflects the stylistic influences of the Imdadkhani tradition, characterized by intricate melodic ornamentation and dynamic rhythmic interplay. The album does not include accompanying percussion or additional instruments, adhering to the solo instrumental format.
No further details about the recording process, production personnel, or distribution are available for this release.