Raga Mangeyabushan (Fin)

Raga Mangeyabushan (Fin) is a recording of the dhrupad vocal tradition performed by Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, a prominent exponent of the Dagar bani (style). The track appears as the second piece (labeled \"B\") on the 1974 vinyl release Raga Mangeyabushan, issued by the French label Disques Alvarès in a 12\" LP format.

The recording captures Dagar’s interpretation of Raga Mangeyabushan, a rare and structurally intricate raga associated with the late-night or early-morning hours. The performance adheres to the alap-jor-jhala framework characteristic of dhrupad, emphasizing sustained melodic development, rhythmic precision, and the resonant timbre of Dagar’s voice. Accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, though dhrupad tradition typically employs the tanpura for drone support and the pakhavaj for percussion.

The album Raga Mangeyabushan was produced during a period when Dagar collaborated with international labels to disseminate dhrupad beyond South Asia. Disques Alvarès, known for its catalog of Indian classical and world music, released the vinyl without extensive liner notes, leaving specific recording dates, session musicians, or alternate takes unverified. The track title suffix \"(Fin)\" suggests it concludes the raga’s exploration, possibly marking the jhala section or a condensed finale.

Dagar’s rendition exemplifies the Dagarvani approach, marked by deep tonal modulation, sparse ornamentation, and a focus on the raga’s swara (note) relationships. The 1974 pressing is one of few commercial recordings of Raga Mangeyabushan from the era, contributing to its significance in the discography of both the artist and the dhrupad repertoire. Later reissues or digital remasters of the album are not confirmed in public records.