Evening Prayer

Evening Prayer is a solo instrumental recording by Indian classical musician Shivkumar Sharma. The performance features the santoor, a traditional hammered dulcimer from the Kashmir region. Sharma released the track in 1992 as part of the album Call of the Valley, though standalone releases of the piece also exist in compilation formats.

Shivkumar Sharma composed and performed Evening Prayer. The track has a duration of 7 minutes and 15 seconds. It follows the raga Yaman, a prominent evening raga in Hindustani classical music, characterized by its serene and meditative mood. The performance adheres to the alap-jod-jhala structure, progressing from slow, unmetered exploration of the raga to faster rhythmic sections.

The recording label for the original album release is HMV (His Master’s Voice), now part of Saregama India Ltd. The piece does not include percussion accompaniment, focusing solely on the santoor’s melodic and rhythmic capabilities. Evening Prayer is noted for its technical precision and emotive depth, showcasing Sharma’s mastery of the instrument.

Shivkumar Sharma, born in 1938 in Jammu, is a leading exponent of the santoor in Indian classical music. He adapted the folk instrument for classical performance, expanding its tonal range and technical possibilities. His contributions earned him the Padma Shri in 1991 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001, among other accolades.

The exact release date of Evening Prayer as a standalone track is not documented in available sources. The primary format of the original release was a vinyl LP, with subsequent reissues on cassette and compact disc. The track remains a staple in Sharma’s discography and is frequently performed in live concerts.