Raga Bageshri

Raga Bageshri is a khayal performance recorded by Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan for his 1998 vocal album. The track appears as the second composition on the release, with a duration of 8 minutes. Khan renders the raga in the traditional vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) sections, adhering to the structural conventions of the khayal form. The recording emphasizes the raga’s characteristic phrases, including the komal re (flattened second) and komal ni (flattened seventh), while exploring its lyrical and improvisational dimensions.

The album was issued by India Archive Music in CD format. The label specialized in documenting live and studio performances of Indian classical music during the late 20th century. No additional details about the accompanying artists, recording location, or production personnel are publicly documented. The release date is confirmed as 1998, though the exact month or day remains unverified.

Khan’s interpretation of Raga Bageshri reflects his training under the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, known for its emphasis on intricate taan patterns and emotive phrasing. The track exemplifies his control over sargam (solfège) and bol-banao (lyrical improvisation), techniques central to his artistic identity. The recording omits extended alap, focusing instead on the composed bandish (fixed composition) followed by elaborations.

Critical reception of the album is not widely archived, but Khan’s rendition of Bageshri aligns with his broader discography, which includes collaborations with major Indian labels and international concert appearances. The 1998 release contributes to his recorded output during a period of increasing global recognition for Hindustani vocal music. Further contextual details about the album’s production or commercial performance are not available in public sources.