About Instrumental Sitar
Instrumental Sitar is a studio album by Indian classical sitarist Rais Khan. Khan recorded the album in 1969 and released it the same year under the His Master’s Voice label. The release marked an early phase of Khan’s career, showcasing his interpretation of traditional North Indian classical ragas and light classical compositions on the sitar.
The album appeared as a 12\" vinyl record with a total of four tracks. The tracklist includes two full raga performances and two lighter dhun compositions in the dadra tal. The opening track features Raga Darbari Kanada, a prominent raga in the Hindustani tradition known for its deep, meditative character. Khan follows this with a Dhun - Dadra, a semi-classical piece set to a six-beat rhythmic cycle. The second half of the album presents Raga Tilak Kamod, a raga associated with late evening performances, and concludes with another Dhun - Dadra.
His Master’s Voice produced and distributed the vinyl in India. The release format adhered to the standard 33⅓ rpm speed typical of classical music albums of the era. No additional details about the recording sessions, accompanying artists, or reissue history are publicly documented. The album remains a reference for Khan’s early stylistic approach, blending the gayaki ang (vocal-style phrasing) with instrumental technique.
Khan’s performance on this record reflects the influence of his training under Ustad Vilayat Khan, a central figure in the Imdadkhani gharana. The album’s structure balances alaap (unmetered improvisation) with composed sections, adhering to the conventions of Hindustani instrumental recitals. The exact release date within 1969 is not specified in available sources.