About Raga Bhairav
Raga Bhairav is a studio album by Indian classical sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, released in 1994 under the label Navras Records. The recording presents a detailed exploration of Raga Bhairav, a morning raga in the Hindustani classical tradition, performed on the sarod without accompaniment beyond the instrument’s resonant tonal qualities.
Amjad Ali Khan structured the album into three continuous movements that adhere to the traditional gayaki ang (vocal-style) approach of sarod playing. The first track, Raga Bhairav (Aalaap, Jor), establishes the raga’s foundational alap and jor sections, emphasizing slow, meditative phrasing and gradual melodic development. The second track, Raga Bhairav (Vilambit Gat In Teentaal), introduces a composed gat (melodic theme) in vilambit (slow) tempo, set to the 16-beat teentaal rhythmic cycle. The final track, Raga Bhairav (Drut Gat In Teentaal), accelerates into a drut (fast) rendition of the gat, maintaining the same teentaal framework while showcasing intricate taans (rapid melodic runs) and layakari (rhythmic play).
The album was issued in CD format as part of Navras Records’ catalog of Hindustani classical releases. The recording session’s exact location and production personnel remain undocumented in available sources. The release date aligns with the album’s official distribution in 1994, though specific event details or promotional activities are not publicly recorded.
Amjad Ali Khan’s interpretation of Raga Bhairav on this album reflects his signature blend of the Senia-Bangash and Senia-Shahjahanpur sarod gharanas, characterized by precise intonation, expansive meend (glissando), and a balanced use of jhala (rhythmic strumming) in the faster sections. The absence of tabla or tanpura accompaniment directs focus to the sarod’s solo expressive capacity, a deliberate choice in Khan’s discography for certain raga explorations.