About Santur - Inde Du Nord
Santur – Inde Du Nord is a studio album by Indian classical musician Shivkumar Sharma. The album was released in 1972. It features compositions performed on the santur, a hammered dulcimer originating from the Kashmir region of India. The release represents one of Sharma’s early recorded works, showcasing his mastery of the instrument in the Hindustani classical tradition.
Shivkumar Sharma, a pioneer in adapting the santur for classical performance, plays all tracks on the album. The album contains three pieces: Raga Rageswari, Raga Sohani, and Pahadi Dhun. Raga Rageswari is a morning raga characterized by its meditative and lyrical structure. Raga Sohani, a late-night raga, emphasizes melodic elaboration and emotional depth. Pahadi Dhun is a light classical piece based on folk melodies from the Himalayan foothills, offering a contrast to the formal raga presentations.
The album’s production details, including the record label and recording location, remain undocumented. The release date is listed as January 1, 1972, though the exact month or day of availability may vary. The album’s format at the time of release is not specified, but it has since been reissued in various audio formats, including vinyl and digital.
Shivkumar Sharma’s performance on Santur – Inde Du Nord contributed to the broader recognition of the santur as a solo instrument in Hindustani classical music. The album remains a reference for students and enthusiasts of the genre.