About Revelation
Revelation is a studio album by Indian classical sitarist Niladri Kumar, released on January 1, 2002. The album features five tracks centered on North Indian classical music, blending traditional raga structures with instrumental compositions. The primary format of the release is CD, though distribution details and label information remain undocumented in available sources.
Niladri Kumar performs all sitar compositions on the album. The tracklist opens with a three-part exploration of Raga Kaunsi Kanada, beginning with Alap, Jor & Jhala, followed by Gat In Rupak Tal and Drut Gat In Teental. The final two tracks shift to a lighter dhun (melodic piece), presenting Alap and Gat In Dadra Tal. The recordings emphasize the sitar’s expressive range, with extended alap sections showcasing melodic development and rhythmic gat compositions demonstrating technical precision.
The album title Revelation reflects its focus on revealing the depth of selected ragas through structured improvisation. Niladri Kumar’s approach integrates traditional Hindustani classical elements with his interpretive style, though specific production credits or accompanying artists are not listed in the available documentation. The release date aligns with Kumar’s early 2000s discography, a period marked by his exploration of solo sitar recordings.
Notable tracks include the Raga Kaunsi Kanada suite, which occupies the majority of the album’s runtime, and the concluding Dhun segments, which introduce a contrasting folk-inflected melody. The absence of vocal accompaniment or percussion—beyond the implicit tal (rhythmic cycle) in the gat sections—highlights the sitar as the sole instrumental voice. Further details regarding recording locations, engineers, or reissue history are not publicly confirmed.