Raga: Charukeshi (Gat In Vilambit Teental)

\"Raga: Charukeshi (Gat In Vilambit Teental)\" is a classical instrumental performance by santoor virtuoso Tarun Bhattacharya. Released as a standalone track, the recording spans 19 minutes and 16 seconds and showcases a detailed exploration of Raga Charukeshi, a melodic framework associated with the Khamaj thaat in Hindustani classical music. The composition adopts the vilambit (slow) tempo of Teental, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle, allowing for elaborate alaap-style development and intricate gat (melodic phrase) elaboration.

Bhattacharya performs on the santoor, a trapezoidal hammered dulcimer of Kashmiri origin, known for its resonant, sustained tones. The track emphasizes the raga’s characteristic phrases, including the use of komal re (flattened second) and komal dha (flattened sixth), while adhering to the structural conventions of the khayal tradition. Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though the format typically includes tabla for percussion and tanpura for drone support.

The recording date and original release label are not specified in public records. The track circulates primarily in digital formats, often featured in compilations of Bhattacharya’s work or as part of live concert archives. Notable segments include the gradual unfolding of the gat in the lower and middle octaves, followed by a systematic ascent to higher registers, demonstrating the artist’s command over meend (glissando) and gamak (ornamentation) techniques.

Tarun Bhattacharya (1939–2022) was a pivotal figure in popularizing the santoor as a solo instrument in Hindustani classical music. His interpretations of ragas like Charukeshi contributed to the instrument’s recognition beyond folk and Sufiana traditions. This performance exemplifies his signature approach: a balance of technical precision and emotive phrasing, rooted in the gayaki ang (vocal-style playing) he developed under the guidance of his guru, the sitarist Ravi Shankar.