About Ragas Marva · Sudda Saranga
Ragas Marva · Sudda Saranga is a 1969 studio album featuring North Indian classical music performed by sitarist Imrat Khan and vocalist Manikrao Popatkar. The recording captures two distinct raga interpretations in the Hindustani tradition. His Master’s Voice released the album on a 12\" vinyl format.
The album contains two tracks. Imrat Khan performs Raga Marva on the sitar, showcasing the raga’s deep, introspective character with its komal re (flattened second) and teevra ma (sharp fourth) swaras. Manikrao Popatkar renders Raga Suddha Saranga in the khayal style, emphasizing the raga’s melodic purity and emotional depth through its shuddha (natural) ni and ga swaras. The performances adhere to the alap-jor-jhala structure in the instrumental piece and the vilambit-drut bandish format in the vocal composition.
The release date aligns with the album’s pressing in 1969, though specific recording sessions or production details remain undocumented. His Master’s Voice, a subsidiary of EMI, distributed the vinyl under its classical music catalog. The album reflects the collaborative and solo artistry of its contributors, with Imrat Khan representing the Imdadkhani gharana (Etah school) and Manikrao Popatkar associated with the Gwalior gharana. No reissues or digital remasters have been officially confirmed as of the available records.
The tracklist includes:
Side A: Raga Marva (performed by Imrat Khan)
Side B: Raga Suddha Saranga (performed by Manikrao Popatkar)
The album serves as a historical document of mid-20th-century Hindustani classical performance, preserving the interpretations of two prominent artists of their respective gharanas. Further details about accompanying artists, recording locations, or liner notes are not publicly accessible.