Flute Recital

Flute Recital is a studio album by Indian classical flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia. The label His Master’s Voice released the recording in 1970 as a 12\" vinyl LP. The album features four tracks that showcase Chaurasia’s interpretation of North Indian classical raga traditions through the bansuri flute.

Chaurasia performs Raga Prabhateshvari in Jhaptaal, a composition characterized by its early-morning (prabhat) thematic essence. The second track presents Raga Sindhu Bhairavi set to Rupak Taal, a raga known for its meditative and devotional qualities. The third piece explores Raga Chandrakauns in Teentaal, a raga associated with the night (ratri raga) and marked by its use of the komal dhaivat (flattened sixth note). The album concludes with a Dadra in Misra Khamaj, a light-classical composition featuring a six-beat rhythmic cycle.

The recording captures Chaurasia’s early career phase, documenting his technical command and expressive phrasing on the bansuri. His Master’s Voice produced the album as part of its classical music catalog, though specific session details such as accompanying artists or recording location remain undocumented in available sources. The vinyl format reflects the standard for Indian classical music releases of the era, with the album distributed primarily in the Indian subcontinent.

No reissues or digital remasters of this exact 1970 release have been officially confirmed. The tracklist and performance style align with Chaurasia’s broader contributions to the Maihar gharana, under the guidance of his mentor Annapurna Devi. The album serves as an archival representation of his formative work in Hindustani instrumental music.