Raga Mala - Roopak

Raga Mala – Roopak is a live instrumental recording by Indian classical musicians Shivkumar Sharma and Zakir Hussain. The performance features Sharma on the santoor and Hussain on the tabla. The release captures a collaborative rendition of ragas and talas within the Hindustani classical tradition.

The recording was released in 1990. The primary format is an audio album. The label for the release is not specified in available sources. The duration of the performance is 23 minutes and 39 seconds.

The composition follows the structure of a raga mala, a medley of ragas performed in succession. The title Roopak refers to the 7-beat tala (rhythmic cycle) employed in sections of the performance. Sharma and Hussain improvise within the framework of the chosen ragas and tala, adhering to the conventions of Hindustani classical music.

The performance begins with an alap, a slow, unmetered introduction that establishes the raga’s melodic contours. Hussain joins with the tabla as the composition transitions into the Roopak tala. The musicians explore variations in tempo and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the interplay between the santoor and tabla.

Notable sections include the development of the raga through jor (a rhythmic but unmetered phase) and jhala (a fast-paced concluding segment). The artists demonstrate layakari (rhythmic improvisation) and taans (rapid melodic phrases) characteristic of Hindustani classical performances.

Shivkumar Sharma, born in 1938, is a prominent santoor player credited with elevating the instrument’s status in Indian classical music. Zakir Hussain, born in 1951, is a celebrated tabla virtuoso and composer known for his contributions to both traditional and fusion music.

No individual track listing is available for this recording. The performance is presented as a continuous piece without distinct segments.