Mishra Kafi Ohun & Raga Mala - Alap

"Mishra Kafi Ohun & Raga Mala - Alap" is a live instrumental performance by Indian classical musicians Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain. The recording captures a collaborative exploration of raga structures within the Hindustani classical tradition. Shivkumar Sharma performs on the santoor, while Zakir Hussain accompanies on the tabla. The piece was released in 1991.

The performance begins with an alap in Mishra Kafi, a raga that blends elements of Kafi and other melodic frameworks. Sharma introduces the raga through slow, meditative phrases, establishing its characteristic mood and tonal centers. Hussain provides rhythmic support with subtle tabla strokes, maintaining a free-flowing tempo during this introductory section. The alap serves as a foundation for the subsequent development of the raga.

Following the Mishra Kafi alap, the performance transitions into a Raga Mala, a sequence of multiple ragas presented in succession. The artists do not specify the exact ragas included in this segment. The Raga Mala section demonstrates improvisational interplay between the santoor and tabla, with Sharma and Hussain engaging in call-and-response patterns. The performance retains the traditional structure of Hindustani classical music, emphasizing melodic and rhythmic improvisation.

The recording has a duration of 16 minutes and 46 seconds. It was released under the label Music Today, though the exact catalog number remains unverified. The piece is available in audio format, primarily distributed on compact disc and digital platforms. No official track listing or further segmentation details are provided in available sources.