Raga Lalit Pancham Vilambit Jhaptal

Ulhas Kashalkar performed Raga Lalit Pancham in Vilambit Jhaptal as the fourth track on the 2007 album Masterpieces. The recording spans 15 minutes and 54 seconds and showcases Kashalkar’s interpretation of the raga in the slow-paced 10-beat jhaptal cycle. The album was released by Times Music in CD format.

The composition reflects Kashalkar’s adherence to the Gwalior gharana and Jaipur-Atrauli gharana traditions, emphasizing intricate melodic development and rhythmic precision. Lalit Pancham is a rare raga derived from the Lalit parent scale, distinguished by its use of shuddha dhaivat (natural D) and komal gandhar (flattened E). The performance includes an alaap followed by the bandish (composition) set to vilambit laya (slow tempo).

The album Masterpieces compiles live and studio recordings of Kashalkar’s vocal renditions, though specific session details for this track remain undocumented. The release date of 2007 aligns with Kashalkar’s active period as a performer and educator in Hindustani classical music. No additional artists or accompanying instrumentalists are credited for this track in available sources.

Kashalkar’s rendition of Raga Lalit Pancham exemplifies his approach to khayal singing, balancing technical rigor with emotional expression. The track’s duration allows for an extended exploration of the raga’s phrases, particularly in the lower and middle octaves. The recording omits a drut (fast) section, focusing solely on the vilambit exposition.