About Songs from Varanasi
Songs from Varanasi is a studio album by Indian classical vocalist Girija Devi. Released in 1993 by Nimbus Records, the album presents a selection of performances in the Banaras gharana tradition. The recording captures Devi’s renditions of khyal, tappa, thumri and dadra, showcasing her command of the Benares style.
Girija Devi performs five tracks on the album. She opens with Raga Maru Bihag, split into two parts as a khyal composition. She follows with Raga Desh, rendered in the tappa form. The album continues with Raga Pilu, featuring a thumri and a dadra. The release format is a single CD with a total runtime consistent with standard classical album lengths of the period.
Nimbus Records produced the album as part of its world music catalog. The label issued the recording in 1993 without additional re-releases or remastered editions documented in available sources. The liner notes and packaging emphasize Devi’s association with Varanasi, a cultural center for Hindustani classical music. No live recordings or alternate takes accompany the studio sessions.
The tracklist reflects Devi’s repertoire from the 1990s, though specific composition details such as lyricists or accompanying instrumentalists remain uncredited in public records. The album serves as a documented example of her mid-career work, following her establishment as a leading exponent of the Purab ang thumri and khyal styles.