Raga Sohni Bhatiyar

Raga Sohni Bhatiyar is a recorded performance of the eponymous raga by Hindustani classical vocalist Kumar Gandharva. The track spans a duration of 7 minutes and 25 seconds. The composition exemplifies Gandharva’s interpretive approach to rare and lesser-explored ragas within the Hindustani tradition.

The recording captures Gandharva’s vocal rendition in a khayal format, characterized by his signature phrasing and microtonal embellishments. The raga belongs to the Bhairav thaat and is traditionally performed during the early morning hours. The performance structure adheres to the alaap-jor-jhala progression followed by a composed bandish, though specific lyrical or rhythmic details remain undocumented in available sources.

The release date, label, and accompanying instrumentalists (if any) are not explicitly verified in public records. Gandharva frequently collaborated with tabla players such as Vilas Mulay and Madhukar Dhumal during live performances, but their involvement in this particular recording is unconfirmed. The track circulates primarily in archival collections and compilations dedicated to Gandharva’s work, often sourced from private recordings or radio broadcasts.

Notable aspects of the performance include Gandharva’s use of meend (glissando) and gamak (oscillation) to emphasize the raga’s emotional depth. The raga’s vadi (dominant note) is Ma (Shuddha Madhyam), and the samvadi (subdominant note) is Sa (Shadj), aligning with its Bhairav lineage. The recording serves as a reference for students and scholars studying Gandharva’s contributions to 20th-century Hindustani vocal music, particularly his revival of obscure ragas.

Further metadata, including the exact recording location or production credits, is not widely documented. The track’s preservation relies on reissues by labels such as HMV (His Master’s Voice) or Magnesound, though no definitive commercial release information is attached to this specific version.