Raga: Gaud Malhar: Drut Teental

Raga: Gaud Malhar: Drut Teental is a khayal performance by vocalist Kishori Amonkar in the Gaud Malhar raga set to drut teental, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle. The recording spans 8 minutes and 52 seconds. Amonkar renders the composition in the classical Hindustani tradition, emphasizing the raga’s characteristic phrases and melodic contours associated with the Malhar family of ragas.

The performance showcases Amonkar’s interpretation of Gaud Malhar, a raga traditionally linked to the monsoon season and known for its evocative use of komal re (flattened second) and komal dha (flattened sixth). The drut teental structure provides a brisk tempo, allowing for intricate taan (melodic improvisations) and bol-taan (syllabic patterns). The recording captures Amonkar’s vocal agility and her approach to gayaki (singing style), which blends the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana’s technical rigor with her personal expressive phrasing.

The release date, label, and original format of this recording remain undocumented in available sources. The track stands as an example of Amonkar’s later work, though the specific album or concert context is unverified. Notable elements include the use of sargam (solfège) passages and the gradual development of layakari (rhythmic play) in the final sections. The accompaniment details, if any, are not specified in the provided context.

Kishori Amonkar (1932–2017) was a prominent exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana and a recipient of India’s Padma Vibhushan (2002). Her renditions of Gaud Malhar and other Malhar variants are often cited for their emotional depth and adherence to classical grammar. This recording aligns with her broader discography of raga explorations, though its precise placement within her career timeline is unclear.