THIS IS A RARE AND USED ITEM. IT IS NOT MANUFACTURED ANYMORE. NO RETURNS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Sitting, today, on top of the Music World, Bhimsen Joshi is perhaps the youngest amongst the contemporary vocalists in the Hindustani Classical music to enjoy this privilege. The proficiency, popularity and fame attained by him speak volumes for his extraordinary talent and for the Herculean efforts he has put in to gain this unique distinction. His melodious voice at times soothing like a gentle rippling brook takes listeners by a pleasant surprise when, suddenly, he roars like a lion taking leaps and strides at an amazing and unbelievable speed through a span of full three octaves – a range only a very gifted few are bestowed with. The skilled artiste in him shines when he brings into full play his highly developed imagination, such fascinating and picturesque note-combinations, that listeners are held in a celestial trance. The extreme flexibility of his voice coupled with his almost superhuman control over breath is often a breathtaking experience. To those who have not had the pleasure of hearing him personally, this disc will provide a very rich treat, since the maestro is, at present in top form.

Side One:
Raga Lalit Bhatiyar
A brilliantly conceived and superbly executed piece will be a mild evaluation of the performance on this side. Lalit and Bhatiyar are both morning melodies. The use of both forms of Madhyama (4th note) and Komal (flat) Dhaivata (6thnote) gives to the mood of the Lalit a tinge of pathos, while in Raga Bhatiyar the use of Panchama (5th note) and Shuddha Dhaivata (6th note) which are completely omitted in Lalit, create and emotion of intense urge and appeal. It is extremely difficult to expound a melody employeing all these notes keeping the two Ragas distinctly apart and yet giving it a semblance of perfect mating in technique and emotion. Only an exceptionally proficient genius of the calibre of the maestro can achieve this. The entire performance is fascinating and will hold a listener in rapture from the start to the end.

Side Two: Raga Kalashree
This side also contains yet another clever combination attractively put over, in an impressive style, by the artiste, Kalavati – a popular melody originally from the South by equally so of the North now – and Rageshree, have been blended in such a perfect manner that the resulting euphonious picture ‘Kalashree’ has an arresting influence on the listeners. Both Kalavati and Rageshree belong to early night period and have a mood of exhilaration and vivacity. How well has the artiste succeeded should be better experienced than described.

Tracks:
Side 1
Raga Lalit Bhatiyar       Teen Taal            - O Kartar
Side 2:
Raga Kalashree           Jhap Taal            - Dhan Dhan Mangal Gao
Raga Kalashree           Drut Teen Taal     - Dhan Dhan Bhag Suhag Tero