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

The Thumr, known for its sensuous romanticism, has been aptly described as the expression of the singer’s soul. Unlike in Khayal, the expressive aspect of the song is basic to its delineation. The charm of Thumri thus lies in the singer’s skill in portraying its lyrical subtleties with a subtle musical imagination. To facilitate full expression to the poetic mood enshrined in the chosen theme, the artiste is allowed freedom to resort to a variety of voice modulations and appealing articulations in presentation.

 The Thumri was once the exclusive preserve of female singers, as it lent itself naturally to their temperament and the feminine voice. Though the contemporary Thumri came into vogue, in Uttar Pradesh, towards the close of the 18^th century, its genesis and close association with dance can be traced to ancient times.

 The traditional Thumri compositions are all woven in Poorbi and Brij Bhasha, the two dialects of Uttar Pradesh, and are always sung in the traditional style. So tremendous was the impact of this music on the North Indian styles that several classical maestros of different “gharanas” made this art-form a part of their performing repertoire. The names of Abdul Karim Khan and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan pioneers, respectively, of the Kirana and Patiala gharanas, immediately come to mind in this context.

 On this LP you’ll hear Bhimsen Joshi and Prabha Atre mold their Thumris in the clear Abdul Karim Khan manner; while Barkat Ali is an interpreter par excellence of the style pioneered by Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

 Barkat Ali Khan can even be said to have given a new elan to Thumri singing by his own individualistic touch to the Patiala accent. The Punjab-ang Thumris by the duo, Nazakat Ali Khan and Salamat Ali Khan have excitement of their own.

 Although Girija Devi is the present-day reigning queen of the blue-blooded Benaras “Thumri”, the happy mingling of lineaments of Punjab and Lucknow styles in Begum Akhtar’s depictions bring home the greatness of one of the India’s great singers.

 The Collage of eight “Thumris” heard in this disc, provide charming facets of the great tradition of light classical music from Uttar Pradesh. This album is bound to become a “Collector’s Item”.

 Artists:

Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, Ustad Barkat Ali Khan, Girija Devi, Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Begum Akhtar, Prabha Atre 

Tracks:

SIDE ONE

 Piya Ke Milan Ki Aas             Ustad Abdul Karim Khan

Tum Radhe Bano Shyam      Ustad Barkat Ali Khan

Nahak Laye Gawanwa          Girija Devi

Lage Tose Nain                     Ustad Nazakat Ali Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan

SIDE TWO

 Kate Na Biraha Ki Raat         Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan

Jab Se Shyam Sidhare          Begum Akhtar

Kaun Albeli Naar                    Pandit Bhimsen Joshi

Kau Gali Gayo Shyam           Prabha Atre