Alap

Raga Bhairavi is a 1991 Indian classical music album by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. India Archive Music released the recording in CD format. The album features a single extended performance of Raga Bhairavi, a morning raga in the Hindustani classical tradition.

Vilayat Khan performs the opening track, "Alap," which lasts 36 minutes and 23 seconds. The alap serves as the introductory section of the raga, where Khan explores the melodic framework without rhythmic accompaniment. This segment establishes the raga’s mood, scale, and characteristic phrases through slow, meditative improvisation.

The album captures Khan’s signature style, known for its emotional depth and technical precision. Vilayat Khan, a prominent exponent of the Imdadkhani gharana, employs meend (glissando) and gamak (ornamentation) techniques to articulate the raga’s nuances. The recording preserves the live concert atmosphere, reflecting Khan’s improvisational approach to raga exposition.

India Archive Music, a label specializing in archival recordings of Indian classical music, produced the album. The release date of 1991 places it within Khan’s later career, during which he continued to refine his interpretations of traditional ragas. The album does not include additional tracks or liner notes beyond the primary performance.

No further details about the recording session, venue, or accompanying musicians are available for this release.