Berlin 1964 – Live & Berlin 1964 – The Lost Studio Recordings

A double archival release from Black Truffle, these very rare recordings feature the brothers Moinuddin (d1966) and Aminuddin Dagar (d2000), often referred to as the ‘senior’ Dagars to distinguish them from younger descendants, all renowned performers of dhrupad. An ancient Indian classical vocal tradition which is considered to be one of the world’s oldest song styles, dhrupad contains very little embellishment, retaining its emphasis on the purity of the musical note. It remained the dominant vocal style at royal courts for hundreds of years but its popularity waned during the 18th and 19th centuries when more ornamental styles were coming into vogue. Its revival in the mid-20th century was largely due to the Dagar family which had persevered with this toughest of vocal genres by rigorous training along patrilineal lines.

Dhrupad was first heard in the Western world when the senior Dagar Brothers toured Europe in 1964. This was organised by pioneering musicologist Alain Daniélou and documented by UNESCO’s A Musical Anthology of the Orient collection. The live recording is from this same tour where, accompanied by Moinuddin’s wife, Saiyur, on tanpura (drone) and Raja Chatrapati Singh on pakhawaj (a large double-headed drum), the brothers present two full ragas in their hallmark meditational style with extended alap sections, where the notes of the raga are gradually introduced in lower octaves before the rhythmic tempo intensifies. It’s a rare treat to hear the senior Dagar Brothers at their peak but another, previously unheard and hidden treasure is also released alongside this concert recording. The Lost Studio Recordings, also made in Berlin in 1964/65, features a full-length ‘Raga Malkauns’, a haunting late-night raga which is said to have the power to summon spirits from other worlds. Accompanied by detailed liner notes and archival images, this is Indian classical music at its purest and best.