Re‐Opening By the River

Re-Opening By the River is a qawwali-inspired vocal composition performed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The track appears as the nineteenth entry on Bandit Queen, Vol. 51, a compilation released on January 1, 1995 under the Oriental Star Agencies Ltd. label. The album belongs to the Bandit Queen series, which primarily features traditional and devotional music from South Asia. The format of the release is digital media, though physical editions may also exist.

The track runs for 1 minute and 52 seconds. Khan’s performance showcases his signature improvisational style, blending classical raga structures with the emotional intensity characteristic of Sufi qawwali. The composition’s brevity contrasts with Khan’s typically extended live performances, suggesting an excerpt or an interlude within the album’s broader thematic flow. Instrumental accompaniment details remain undocumented in available sources, but the track likely incorporates harmonium, tabla, and chorus responses, consistent with Khan’s established ensemble arrangements.

Bandit Queen, Vol. 51 forms part of a larger anthology tied to the 1994 film Bandit Queen, directed by Shekhar Kapur. While the film’s soundtrack primarily features compositions by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and other artists, this volume focuses on Khan’s contributions. The album’s production context, including recording locations or session musicians, is not fully specified in public records. Oriental Star Agencies Ltd., a UK-based label specializing in South Asian music, distributed the release internationally.

Notable tracks from the series often highlight Khan’s ability to merge devotional poetry with cinematic storytelling. Re-Opening By the River exemplifies this fusion through its concise yet evocative delivery. The lyrics, presumed to draw from Persian or Urdu Sufi traditions, are not transcribed in the album’s liner notes. The track’s placement in the compilation suggests a transitional or atmospheric role, though its exact narrative connection to the film remains unclear without additional documentation.