Raag Kalshree

Raag Kalshree is a 49-minute instrumental performance by sitarist Nikhil Banerjee, featured as the second track on the compilation album The Genius Of Pandit Nikhil Banerjee – Volume 4. The album released in 1996 under the Chhanda Dhara label in CD format. The recording showcases Banerjee’s interpretation of the Kalshree raga, a melodic framework associated with the late evening or early night in the Hindustani classical tradition.

The composition follows the alaap-jor-jhala structure typical of dhrupad-influenced sitar recitals, transitioning into a madhyalaya (medium-tempo) and drut (fast) development. Banerjee accompanies himself on the sitar, with tabla support provided by an uncredited artist. The performance emphasizes the raga’s characteristic phrases, including the komal re (flattened second) and tivra ma (sharp fourth), while adhering to the Kafi thaat parent scale.

The album forms part of a multi-volume series dedicated to Banerjee’s recordings, compiled posthumously. Chhanda Dhara sourced the material from archival concert recordings, though the exact performance date and location for this track remain undocumented. The release preserves Banerjee’s improvisational approach, marked by intricate taan patterns and a restrained use of meend (glissando) techniques.

Notable aspects of the track include the extended alaap section, lasting approximately 18 minutes, and the gradual introduction of rhythmic cycles (tala) in the latter half. The recording captures the acoustic resonance of the sitar with minimal post-production alteration, retaining the ambient qualities of a live performance. No lyricists or composers are credited beyond Banerjee’s role as the primary artist and interpreter of the raga.