Inspiration India - Duets for Sitar, Surbahar, Shehnai
About Inspiration India - Duets for Sitar, Surbahar, Shehnai
Inspiration India – Duets for Sitar, Surbahar, Shehnai is a collaborative studio album released in March 1996 under the EMI Classics label. The recording features performances by sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan, surbahar exponent Ustad Imrat Khan, and shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. The album presents six tracks that showcase North Indian classical music through raga-based compositions and lighter classical forms.
The album opens with Raga Miyan Ki Malhar, a monsoon-themed raga traditionally associated with the rainy season. A Tabla Solo in Tintaal follows, highlighting rhythmic intricacy in the 16-beat cycle. The third track, Raga Miyan Ki Todi, explores the morning raga known for its emotional depth and complex melodic structure. The latter half of the album shifts to semi-classical genres, beginning with Thumri in Raga Piloo, a lyrical and expressive piece often linked to romantic or devotional themes.
The fifth track, Chaiti Dhun, draws from folk traditions of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, typically performed during the spring festival of Chait. The album concludes with Thumri in Raga Bhairavi, a composition set in the early morning raga, blending classical rigor with improvisational freedom. The exact duration of each track and the specific accompanists remain undocumented in the provided context.
EMI Classics produced the album in a standard CD format, targeting audiences of Indian classical music. The release date coincides with the album’s official distribution in March 1996. No additional details regarding recording locations, production personnel, or alternate editions are available from the given information.