Raga Sohini - Alap And Composition In Chautaal

Raga Sohini – Alap and Composition in Chautaal is a 2024 recording of North Indian classical (Hindustani) vocal music performed by Nasir Faiyazuddin. The work features an alap followed by a composed piece set to chautaal, a 12-beat rhythmic cycle. The performance spans 16 minutes and 25 seconds.

The recording centers on Raga Sohini, a melodic framework traditionally associated with the late evening or early night. Faiyazuddin renders the alap in the vilambit (slow) tempo, gradually unfolding the raga’s characteristic phrases before transitioning into the composed section. The chautaal composition incorporates lyrical text, though the specific poetic source or language remains undocumented in available references.

Faiyazuddin accompanies himself on the tanpura, providing the drone support typical of Dhrupad and khyal traditions. The recording omits additional instrumental accompaniment, focusing on the solo vocal presentation. The release format and label are not specified in public sources, but the work circulates as a digital audio track.

Notable aspects of the performance include Faiyazuddin’s use of meend (gliding between notes) and gamak (ornamentation) in the alap, as well as the rhythmic precision in the chautaal section. The track does not include a separate jhala or drut (fast) segment, maintaining a meditative pace throughout. Further details on the recording session, production personnel, or live performance context are not available.