When Time Stood Still

Shivkumar Sharma released the Indian classical album When Time Stood Still in 1982. The santoor album features five tracks, including a meditative Raga Kausni Kanhara and a folk-inspired Mishra Kafi O

When Time Stood Still is an Indian classical music album by santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. The album was released on January 1, 1982. 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, though specific media details such as vinyl, cassette, or CD are not confirmed in available sources. The album contains five tracks, each showcasing distinct ragas and compositions.

The first track, Raga Kausni Kanhara, presents a meditative exploration of the raga in a slow, expansive alap followed by structured improvisations. The second track, Malkauns & Darbari Kanhara, combines two ragas, blending the serene and introspective qualities of Malkauns with the grandeur of Darbari Kanhara. The third track, Mishra Kafi Ohun, introduces a lighter, folk-inspired melody within the framework of Mishra Kafi, a mixed raga.

The fourth and fifth tracks form a continuous suite titled Raga Mala. The fourth track, Raga Mala - Alap, begins with a slow, unmetered introduction, establishing the tonal and emotional foundation. The fifth track, Raga Mala - Jod, transitions into a rhythmic pulse, while Raga Mala - Roopak concludes the suite with a composition set to the seven-beat Roopak taal. The album exemplifies Sharma’s signature style, characterized by intricate melodic phrasing and dynamic rhythmic interplay.

No record label is explicitly associated with this release in available sources. The album remains a notable work in Sharma’s discography, reflecting his contributions to the popularization of the santoor in Indian classical music.