About Raga Todi • Mishra Thumri
Raga Todi • Mishra Thumri is a studio album by Indian shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan. Released in 1962 on the His Master’s Voice label, the recording features two extended classical compositions performed on the shehnai, a traditional North Indian wind instrument. The album appeared as a 12\" vinyl LP and represents Khan’s contributions to Hindustani classical music during the mid-20th century.
The album contains two tracks. The first, Raga Todi, showcases Khan’s interpretation of the Todi raga, a complex and emotionally expressive melodic framework in the Hindustani tradition. The performance emphasizes the raga’s characteristic microtonal inflections and slow, meditative development. The second track, Mishra Thumri, presents a semi-classical vocal genre adapted for the shehnai. Thumri compositions often explore themes of devotion and romantic longing, and Khan’s instrumental rendition retains the form’s lyrical and rhythmic flexibility.
The recording session’s exact location and accompanying artists remain undocumented in available sources. The album’s production aligns with Khan’s broader discography under His Master’s Voice, a prominent Indian record label that released many of his works during the 1950s and 1960s. The 1962 release date coincides with a period of growing international recognition for Khan, following his performances at global venues and collaborations with other classical musicians.
No commercial reissues or digital remasters of this specific album are confirmed in public records. The original vinyl pressing remains a collector’s item for enthusiasts of Indian classical music and shehnai performances. The album’s historical significance lies in its representation of Khan’s mastery over both rigorous raga structures and lighter classical forms, bridging traditional repertoire with wider audiences.