Guru: Raga Jogeshwari: 3. Gat in Rupaktaal

Guru: Raga Jogeshwari: 3. Gat in Rupaktaal is a live instrumental performance by Anoushka Shankar. The piece was released in 2007 as part of the soundtrack for the film Guru, directed by Mani Ratnam. Shankar performs on the sitar, accompanied by traditional Indian classical musicians. The composition adheres to the structure of Raga Jogeshwari, a Hindustani classical raga.

The track spans 15 minutes and 27 seconds. It follows the gat form, a fixed melodic composition set to a rhythmic cycle. This performance uses Rupaktaal, a seven-beat rhythmic pattern (tala) common in Hindustani music. The piece progresses through distinct sections, including alap (unmetered introduction), jor (rhythmic development without percussion), and the gat (metered composition with tabla accompaniment).

Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar, is a sitar virtuoso and composer. She has performed globally, blending classical Hindustani traditions with contemporary influences. The Guru soundtrack was produced by A.R. Rahman, who integrated classical elements with film scoring techniques. The label for the soundtrack release is Sony BMG.

The track does not include vocals. It features tabla accompaniment, though the specific tabla player is not credited in available sources. The performance emphasizes improvisation within the raga framework, a hallmark of Hindustani classical music. The release date of the soundtrack aligns with the film’s premiere in January 2007.