About Raga: Sree
Raga: Sree is a studio album by Indian classical musician Imrat Khan. Khan performed on the surbahar and sitar for this release. The album features two extended compositions centered on Raga Sree, a raga traditionally associated with late evening performances in the Hindustani classical tradition.
The album released in 1974 under the His Master’s Voice label. The primary format was a 12\" vinyl record with two tracks. The first track, \"Surbahar: Alap - Raga Sree,\" showcases the alap section of the raga, emphasizing slow, meditative development on the surbahar. The second track, \"Sitar: Raga - Sree,\" presents a fuller exposition of the raga on the sitar, incorporating rhythmic and melodic elaboration.
Imrat Khan composed and performed both pieces. The recording captures his interpretation of Raga Sree, characterized by intricate taans and gamaks. The album reflects Khan’s mastery of both the surbahar and sitar, instruments central to the Imdadkhani gharana, a lineage of North Indian classical music. The release date coincides with the broader period of Khan’s international recognition, though specific recording sessions or additional personnel remain undocumented in available sources.
The vinyl format was standard for classical music releases of the era, and His Master’s Voice distributed the album in India and select international markets. No reissues or digital remasters have been confirmed from the provided context. The album stands as a representative work of Khan’s mid-career output, emphasizing the depth and technical precision of his raga interpretations.