Khyal in Raga Bilaskhani (Teental)

Girija Devi performed Khyal in Raga Bilaskhani Todi set to Teental (16 beats) as the opening track of the 2012 compilation Masterworks from the NCPA Archives. The recording spans 30 minutes and 8 seconds and appears on a CD released by Sony Music.

The album curates archival performances from the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. Girija Devi rendered the composition in the Banaras gharana style, characterized by intricate taan patterns and emotive phrasing. The track exemplifies her command over laya (tempo) and bol-banaav (lyrical improvisation), hallmarks of her vocal technique.

The release date for Masterworks from the NCPA Archives is documented as 2012, though the original performance date remains unspecified in available sources. The compilation features other artists from the Indian classical tradition, but the full tracklist and accompanying musicians for this recording are not detailed in the provided context.

Girija Devi (1929–2017) was a prominent exponent of the Seniya and Banaras gharanas, known for her contributions to khyal, thumri, and dadra. Her rendition of Raga Bilaskhani Todi aligns with her repertoire of rare and complex ragas, often explored in extended alaap and jod sections. The Sony Music release preserves the performance in its original concert setting, retaining the acoustic ambiance of the NCPA venue.

No additional production credits, session details, or liner notes are confirmed for this track. The compilation serves as a historical document of live classical performances, with this recording highlighting Girija Devi’s interpretive depth in a lesser-performed raga variant.