Vrindavan – 1982

Presented as a double LP and in digital form this is an outstanding, although previously unheard, recording of the rudra veena, a relatively rare instrument played by one of its principal masters, Zia Mohiuddin Dagar of the famous Dagar family. He is performing at a dhrupad (pure classical vocal style) festival held in the North Indian city of Vrindavan in 1982 and although dhrupad is primarily a vocal genre, renowned for its purity and devoid of all ornamentation, the rudra veena, a huge low-pitched version of veena with large gourds at both ends, plays a vital role in the training of singers by replicating and exploring some of the unique and elusive microtonal nuances associated with this genre. Although steadily declining in popularity from about the 1800s, dhrupad enjoyed a revival towards the middle of the 20th century owing largely to the Dagar dynasty of which Zia Mohiuddin is a 19th-generation descendant. On this recording he performs the night raga ‘Yaman Kalyan’ with a leisurely alap (introductory slow tempo) where the raga is unfolded for us, note by note, the pitch and tempo gradually rising to be joined by the pakhavaj (ancient barrel-shaped drum) until one is convinced that this is the true music of the spheres, elevating heart and soul. A sublime expression that transcends earthly realms.