About The Malhars - Nat Malhar
Nat Malhar – The Malhars is a studio album by Indian classical vocalist Kishori Amonkar, released on January 1, 1999. The recording focuses on the Nat Malhar raga, a variant of the broader Malhar family associated with the monsoon season in Hindustani classical music. The album was issued in CD format with a total of three tracks.
Amonkar performs three compositions rooted in the Nat Malhar framework. The tracklist includes two renditions of Barkha Rut Aai, a traditional bandish (composition) evoking the arrival of the rains, and Pawan Chalat Meha, another piece linked to the imagery of wind and rain. The performances adhere to the khayal style, characterized by improvisational alaap and intricate taan patterns. The album does not specify accompanying artists, instrumentalists, or a releasing label in available documentation.
The recording exemplifies Amonkar’s approach to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, marked by precise intonation, expansive badhat (development), and a balance between technical rigor and emotional expression. The choice of Nat Malhar aligns with the raga’s seasonal significance, traditionally performed during the monsoon to invoke its thematic elements. While the album’s production details remain undocumented, its release contributes to Amonkar’s discography of raga-based recordings from the late 20th century.
Notable tracks include the two interpretations of Barkha Rut Aai, which showcase variations in melodic phrasing and rhythmic treatment. Pawan Chalat Meha further explores the raga’s dynamic range, emphasizing the interplay between shuddha (natural) and komal (flattened) notes. The album’s structure reflects a concise yet immersive presentation of Nat Malhar, prioritizing depth over quantity in its three-track arrangement.