Rachna Pahadi: Deep Chandi Taal

Rachna Pahadi: Deep Chandi Taal is a solo instrumental recording by Indian classical musician Shivkumar Sharma. The piece was released in 1991 as part of the album Ragas on Santoor. It features the santoor, a hammered dulcimer central to Kashmiri classical music, which Sharma popularized in Hindustani classical contexts.

Sharma performs the composition in Pahadi, a light classical raga associated with mountainous regions of North India. The track adheres to Deep Chandi Taal, a 14-beat rhythmic cycle (7+7) commonly used in semi-classical and folk traditions. The performance follows a structured alap-jod-jhala format, progressing from slow, meditative exploration to faster, rhythmic interplay.

The recording captures Sharma’s signature technique, including rapid meend (glissando) and intricate taan patterns. The santoor’s resonant, metallic timbre is prominent throughout, with Sharma employing both hands to strike the strings in rapid succession. The track does not include percussion accompaniment, allowing the rhythmic cycle to emerge through melodic phrasing and improvisation.

The album Ragas on Santoor was released under the Music Today label. The exact release date within 1991 is not specified in available sources. The composition’s duration is 6 minutes and 6 seconds. Additional details about live performances or alternate versions of this piece are not documented in publicly accessible records.