About Music of India
Music of India is a 1962 Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. The release presents four extended performances of Hindustani classical and semi-classical compositions. EMI India issued the album on a 12-inch vinyl record in 1962.
Vilayat Khan performs the opening track, "Raga Miya Ki Malhar." The piece follows the traditional structure of alap, jor, and jhala before transitioning into a gat in Teental. Khan employs meend, gamak, and krintan techniques to elaborate the raga's monsoon-associated mood.
The second track features a tabla solo in Tin-Tal. The percussionist, whose name the original liner notes do not specify, demonstrates bols, tihais, and layakari within the 16-beat cycle. The performance adheres to the Farukhabad gharana style.
Khan returns for the third track, "Raga Miya Ki Todi." The rendition begins with a slow, meditative alap and progresses through vilambit and drut gats. Khan incorporates taans and zamzama patterns to highlight the raga's morning character.
The album concludes with "Piloo (Thumree)." Khan performs the light classical piece in Kaharwa taal. The thumree includes bol-banao and sargam passages, emphasizing the romantic and devotional themes associated with the raga.
The original release does not credit additional musicians or provide recording location details. The album remains a documented example of Vilayat Khan's mid-20th-century sitar technique and interpretive approach to Hindustani ragas.