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This is the third L.P. record by Bhimsen Joshi who at the relatively young age of 39 is probably the most promising and talented amongst the younger set of classical singers today.

 The disciple of the late Sawai Gandharva, an eminent musician of his time, Bhimsen Joshi took his early training at Gwalior, Lucknow and Rampur from different teachers and later became one of the ablest exponents of the Kirana School of Music. This gifted artiste’s biggest asset is his voice that has an amazing range and flexibility which makes it possible for him to take “taans” or movements from note to note at a terrific speed.

 Bhimsen Joshi has been a regular broadcaster from the network of All India Radio stations since 1941 and today he is one of the most sought after vocalists at most representative music conferences.

Side One: Raga Malkauns

This is essentially a night melody and is very lively in mood. It is pentatonic in structure as it permits the use of only five notes both in the ascent (aroha) and in the descent (avroha). The second note Re and the fifth Pancham are completely dropped the scale whereas the third, sixth and seventh notes are all flat or ‘komal’. The exposition starts with a slow moving composition confined to a rhythmic cycle of 12 beats known as Ektaal. The mature voice of the artiste brings out all the beauty and subtleties of the notes by weaving them in such an arresting manner that the listener is carrier away in a trance. After laying down the foundation of the raga by various slow moving combinations he comes out with flourishes of fast “taan” patterns which go on increasing in speed as he switches over to another composition which fits into the lively and fast atmosphere built up so far. This is rendered in a rhythm of 16 equal beats known as “Teentaal”.

 When the artiste winds up his exposition the listener is suddenly awakened from the trance and feels like listening to the whole performance all over again.

Side Two: Raga Maru Bihag

Raga Maru Bihag is a sub melody of Raga Bihag and is usually expounded in the first part of the night. The mood of this raga is romantic and all the seven notes of the scale are permissible in it both in the ascent and in the descent.

 The artiste’s choice for the slow composition has fallen on the famous composition “Rasiya Ho Na” and this is confined to Ektaal, a rhythm of 12 beats. The slow and graceful gait of this rhythm affords the artiste complete freedom to move with ease and play with the notes in any manner he likes. Likewise the flexibility and amazing range of his voice enable him to display his uncanny skill and fertile imagination in the workmanship of a superb order. The switch over to a composition in a faster tempoof 16 beats is very impressive and the finale leaves the listener in a very satisfying mood.

Tracks:

Side 1

Raga Malkauns

Side 2

Raga Maru Bihag        Ektaal (12 Beats)     - Rasiya Ho Na