Raga Malkauns

Bismillah Khan performed Raga Malkauns as the opening track on the album The Magnificence of Shehnai. Released on January 1, 1993, under the Saregama label, the recording showcases Khan’s mastery of the shehnai in a 28-minute-31-second rendition. The album highlights his interpretation of the raga within the Hindustani classical tradition.

The composition reflects Khan’s signature style, characterized by controlled embellishments and a deep tonal resonance. Raga Malkauns belongs to the Shadaj-thaat family and is traditionally performed during late-night hours. This particular recording captures Khan’s improvisational prowess, with extended alaap and jod sections preceding rhythmic elaborations.

The album The Magnificence of Shehnai serves as a compilation of Khan’s live and studio performances. While the full tracklist and additional session details remain partially undocumented, this rendition of Raga Malkauns stands as a central piece. Saregama distributed the release in audio cassette and CD formats, targeting audiences of Indian classical music.

Khan’s contribution to the shehnai repertoire earned him national recognition, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001. This recording exemplifies his influence on 20th-century Hindustani instrumental music, preserving the oral tradition through commercial media. No alternate versions or remixes of this specific track are officially recorded under the same album title.