Rag Bihag

Atma is a studio album by Indian classical sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, released on CD in 1990 under the label Audiorec International. The recording showcases Khan’s interpretation of North Indian classical raga traditions, emphasizing the sarod as the primary instrument. The album’s production aligns with the era’s shift toward digital formats for classical music distribution in India.

The second track, Rag Bihag, spans 42 minutes and 40 seconds and serves as a centerpiece of the release. Khan performs the raga in the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) sections, adhering to the structural conventions of the khayal style. The composition reflects the artist’s signature approach to alaap, jor, and jhala, followed by rhythmic elaborations in teen tal (16-beat cycle). Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though traditional tabla and tanpura support is standard for Khan’s recordings of this period.

The album title Atma (Sanskrit for \"soul\" or \"self\") suggests a thematic focus on introspective and meditative renditions, a recurring motif in Khan’s discography. Audiorec International, the releasing label, specialized in Indian classical and devotional music during the late 20th century, distributing works by prominent instrumentalists and vocalists. No additional tracks, session musicians, or recording locations are verified from the provided context.

Khan’s 1990 release contributes to his broader catalog of sarod recordings, which includes collaborations with symphony orchestras and cross-genre experiments in later decades. Rag Bihag on this album exemplifies his technical precision and adherence to the Senia Bangash gharana, a lineage he represents as a seventh-generation exponent. Further details on the album’s reception, sales, or reissues are not confirmed in the given information.