Alap

Alap is a live instrumental recording in the Hindustani classical music tradition. Ravi Shankar performs the sitar, and Alla Rakha accompanies on the tabla. The performance took place in 1967. The recording captures a single continuous raga elaboration without a specified label.

The track spans 13 minutes and 40 seconds. Ravi Shankar begins with an unmetered alap, introducing the raga's melodic framework. Alla Rakha joins later, establishing a rhythmic cycle. The artists develop the raga through gradual tempo increases, culminating in a jor and jhala section. The performance adheres to the traditional structure of Hindustani classical music, emphasizing improvisation within the raga's rules.

Ravi Shankar and Alla Rakha recorded Alap during a period of heightened international interest in Indian classical music. The artists had collaborated extensively prior to this release. The track does not list a specific album or compilation title in available sources. The MusicBrainz Identifier (MBID) for this recording is 296cfe58-3d23-4064-89d8-e39af9689f24.