The Majestic Sitar

The Majestic Sitar is a studio album featuring sitar performances by Shakir Khan and Enayet Hossain. The album was released on February 2, 2012, under the Aimrec label in compact disc format. The recording showcases traditional North Indian classical music with an emphasis on raga elaboration and instrumental virtuosity.

Shakir Khan and Enayet Hossain present five tracks centered on two primary ragas: Bageshree and Desh. The album opens with an alaap in Raga Bageshree, a slow, meditative introduction that establishes the raga’s melodic framework. The subsequent tracks develop the raga through composed sections (gats) in Vilambit Teental (slow 16-beat cycle), Drut Ektal (fast 12-beat cycle), and Drut Teental (fast 16-beat cycle). The final track features a gat in Raga Desh, performed in the Dipchandi rhythmic cycle (14 beats).

The album reflects the Etawah baj (style) associated with Shakir Khan’s lineage, characterized by precise meend (glissando) and intricate taan (fast melodic phrases). Enayet Hossain contributes accompaniment on a second sitar, maintaining the jugalbandi (duet) tradition while allowing space for individual expression. The recording context and production details remain undocumented beyond the label and release date.

No additional musicians, such as tabla or tanpura players, are credited in the available information. The album’s reception and commercial performance are not recorded in public sources. The track durations and specific recording locations are also unreported.