About The Genius Of Vilayat Khan
The Genius of Vilayat Khan is an Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. His Master’s Voice released the album in 1966. The release appears on a 12-inch vinyl record as an official studio production.
Vilayat Khan performs two extended compositions on the album. The first track features Raga Ahir Bhairav, a morning raga that blends elements of Bhairav and Kafi thaat. The second track presents a thumri in Raga Khamaj, a light classical form associated with the Khamaj thaat. Both performances follow the traditional structure of alap, jor, jhala, and gat in the instrumental khayal style.
The album captures Vilayat Khan’s signature approach to sitar playing, characterized by meend (glissando) techniques and intricate taans. His interpretation of Raga Ahir Bhairav emphasizes the raga’s meditative and devotional aspects. The Raga Khamaj thumri demonstrates his command of rhythmic improvisation within the 16-beat teental framework.
His Master’s Voice, a subsidiary of EMI Group, distributed the album in India. The label positioned the release as part of its classical music catalog during the mid-20th century. The original pressing includes no additional liner notes or supplementary materials beyond the tracklist and artist credits.
The album remains a reference recording for students and scholars of the Imdadkhani gharana, the musical lineage Vilayat Khan inherited from his father, Enayat Khan. No alternate versions, reissues, or digital remasters of this specific release have been documented.