Raga Khamaj Thumri

"Raga Khamaj Thumri" is a classical Hindustani vocal and instrumental composition performed by sitar maestro Vilayat Khan. The track appears on the album The Genius of Vilayat Khan, released in 1966 by His Master’s Voice. The recording is presented in a 12-inch vinyl format.

Vilayat Khan performs the thumri in Raga Khamaj, a late evening raga associated with the Khamaj thaat. The composition follows the traditional thumri structure, emphasizing expressive, lyrical phrases and rhythmic improvisation. The performance showcases Khan’s signature sitar technique, characterized by meend (glissando) and gamak (ornamentation).

The track has a duration of 19 minutes and 30 seconds. It is the second piece on the album, listed as track B. The recording captures a live or studio performance without overdubbing, adhering to the conventions of Hindustani classical music of the period.

The album The Genius of Vilayat Khan was produced during a phase when Vilayat Khan was actively expanding the sitar’s expressive range in classical and semi-classical genres. His Master’s Voice, a subsidiary of EMI, distributed the release. The label was a prominent publisher of Indian classical music during the mid-20th century.

No additional musicians or accompanists are credited on the track. The context does not specify whether tabla or tanpura accompaniment is present. The recording remains a reference for students and practitioners of Hindustani classical music, particularly for its interpretation of Raga Khamaj in the thumri style.