Raag Megh

Raag Megh is a khayal performance in the Hindustani classical tradition recorded by Ustad Salamat Ali Khan. The track appears as the opening piece on the album Passion of Ragas, released on August 3, 2015 under the Bihaan Music label. The composition spans 49 minutes and 22 seconds, showcasing an extended alap-jor-jhala progression followed by a vilambit and drut khayal in Raag Megh, a monsoon-themed raga associated with the Kafi thaat.

The recording captures Khan’s vocal technique, characterized by intricate taan patterns, gamak embellishments and a command of the Kirana gharana style. Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though the format suggests traditional support from tabla and tanpura. The album Passion of Ragas was issued as a digital media release, with no physical format confirmed.

Khan’s interpretation of Raag Megh adheres to the raga’s structural conventions, emphasizing the shuddha dhaivat (D) and komal gandhar (g) as vadi and samvadi swaras respectively. The performance reflects his late-career artistry, recorded prior to his death in 2001 but posthumously compiled for this 2015 collection. The label Bihaan Music specializes in archival and contemporary classical releases, though specific production credits for this track are not publicly listed.

Notable aspects of the track include the extended badhat (development) section, where Khan explores the raga’s melodic contours through gradual tempo acceleration. The recording omits audience interaction, indicating a studio or controlled live setting. No alternate takes or additional versions of this performance are documented in the album’s release notes.