About Classical Melodies on the Santoor
Classical Melodies on the Santoor is an Indian classical music album by santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma. The album features three extended instrumental performances. It was released on January 1, 1968.
Shivkumar Sharma recorded the album on the santoor, a hammered dulcimer of Kashmiri origin. He adapted the instrument for Hindustani classical music, expanding its tonal range and rhythmic capabilities. The album presents three ragas in distinct rhythmic cycles.
The first track, Raga Malkauns: Alap - Jod Vilambit - Drut - Teen Taal, spans multiple sections. Sharma begins with an unmetered alap, introducing the raga’s melodic framework. He progresses to jod, establishing a slow pulse. The vilambit section follows in a slow tempo, set to teen taal, a 16-beat cycle. The performance concludes with a drut (fast) composition in the same taal.
The second track, Raga Hansadhwani: Teen Taal, is a Carnatic-influenced raga rendered in Hindustani style. Sharma performs the composition in teen taal, emphasizing the raga’s bright, ascending phrases. The track maintains a consistent medium tempo throughout.
The third track, Raga Mishra Khamaj: Rupak Taal, blends Khamaj with folk and light classical elements. Sharma structures the performance in rupak taal, a 7-beat cycle. The rendition incorporates improvisational passages within the rhythmic framework.
The album does not specify a record label. The original release format is unknown. Classical Melodies on the Santoor contributed to the santoor’s recognition as a solo instrument in Hindustani classical music.