About The Malhars: Gaud Malhar
The Malhars: Gaud Malhar is a studio album by Hindustani classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar. Released on January 1, 1999, the recording presents a detailed exploration of Raga Gaud Malhar, a monsoon-associated raga from the Malhar family. The album appeared in CD format under an unspecified label.
Amonkar performs three tracks that collectively unfold the raga’s structure. The first two compositions adopt Vilambit Teental, a slow-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle, while the third shifts to Drut Teental, a faster iteration of the same cycle. The tracklist omits accompanying instrumentalists or tabla players, though traditional khayal performances of this nature typically include harmonium and tanpura support alongside percussion. The album’s liner notes or original packaging may provide full credits, but available documentation limits confirmation to Amonkar’s vocal role.
The recording exemplifies Amonkar’s approach to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, characterized by intricate taan patterns, gamak-laden phrasing and a emphasis on raga’s emotional (bhava) dimensions. Gaud Malhar belongs to the Kafi thaat and traditionally invokes the rainy season, a thematic element central to the album’s interpretive focus. The absence of additional ragas or filler material underscores the release’s singular dedication to the titular raga.
Critical reception and commercial performance details for this release remain undocumented in accessible sources. The album’s historical context aligns with Amonkar’s late-career period, during which she consolidated her reputation as a leading exponent of Hindustani classical vocal music. Later reissues or digital distributions may exist, but the original 1999 CD release constitutes the primary documented edition.