About Aftaäb-E-Sitar
Aftaäb-E-Sitar is an Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. The Gramophone Company of India Limited released the album in 1985. The recording features two extended instrumental performances on 12" vinyl.
Vilayat Khan performs the first track, "Raga Bahar Gat in Teentaal." The composition follows the traditional structure of a slow alap, a rhythmic jor, and a fast-paced gat set in teentaal, a 16-beat cycle. The raga Bahar, associated with spring, unfolds through intricate melodic phrases and improvisations characteristic of Khan's style.
The second track is a ragamalika based on Khamaj and Dadra. Vilayat Khan transitions between the two ragas, Khamaj and a lighter dadra form, demonstrating fluidity in rhythmic and melodic shifts. The performance includes a gat in dadra taal, a 6-beat cycle, showcasing Khan's command over both vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) tempos.
The album represents Vilayat Khan's Imdadkhani gharana lineage, emphasizing gayaki ang, a vocal-influenced approach to sitar playing. The Gramophone Company of India Limited distributed the release as an official studio recording. Details about accompanying musicians or recording sessions remain unconfirmed.