Raga Bageshri

Raga Bageshri is a khayal performance recorded by Hindustani classical vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan. The track appears as the third composition on an unnamed vocal album released in 1998. The recording spans 4 minutes and 4 seconds, showcasing Khan’s interpretation of the evening raga Bageshri, a melody traditionally associated with the Kafi thaat and characterized by its use of komal ni (flattened seventh) and shuddha ma (natural fourth).

The album was issued by India Archive Music in CD format. The label specializes in archival and contemporary recordings of Indian classical music, though specific production details for this release remain undocumented. Khan’s rendition adheres to the vilambit (slow) and drut (fast) sections typical of khayal presentations, accompanied by traditional instrumental support, though the accompanying artists are not credited in available sources.

Rashid Khan, a disciple of the Rampur-Sahaswan gharana, employs a style marked by intricate taan (melodic phrases) and bol-banao (lyrical improvisation). The track exemplifies his command over layakari (rhythmic play) and meend (glissando), techniques central to the gharana’s repertoire. The recording date and location are not specified, but the album’s release aligns with Khan’s active period in the late 1990s, during which he gained recognition for reviving lesser-performed ragas through concert and studio work.

No additional tracks from the 1998 release are documented in public sources, and the album’s total duration or tracklist remains unverified. The label’s catalog often features single-raga recordings, suggesting this may be part of a series or a standalone release. Khan’s interpretation of Bageshri is noted for its balance of traditional structure and personal embellishment, though critical reception or commercial performance data for this specific recording is not available.